This page contains comments about and responses to our service and events. Please contact us if you would like to add a comment of your own.

Thank you card from a young  person who stayed in our emergency accommodation (MEAG):

"To Liz,

Just a quick note to say thank you for everything that you have done for me in the past week.  The meals were fantastic and it was just like being back at home.

If it wasn't for people like you allowing strangers into their homes in their time of need, who know where we would all be.

Thank you once again, from the bottom of my heart for your help this last week".

KN - aged 22

Young people who use Routes Mendip YMCA respond to the possible threat of it's closure:

"I would be really disappointed if Routes were having to close down as they have helped me in many ways since I was made homeless in March 2008.

I then found myself pregnant after losing my job so I was in desperate need of housing and advice on money and help with sorting out where to go for help with my debts".

"I wasn’t able to be housed straight away as I couldn’t find a suitable property that would benefit me once my baby was born, but I was given lots of help with the benefits I was entitled to – it was brilliant, I was able to sort out everything for the baby in advance."

"When I was 8 months pregnant I was able to move into a 2 bed property in March 09. I had lots of help with sorting out housing benefit, tax credits and changing my benefits over. I was also advised on what help I could get with how to buy furniture etc."

"Even though I’ve finished everything I still go in for advice and the whole staff group are so friendly and helpful and myself and everyone I know would be lost without Routes – they are AMAZING! "
Aged 19

"We would lose a vital place for teenagers to go to get help, advice and to find a job. "

"Routes has worked with me for just over 3 years now and in the three years they have helped me with:

• Improving my Maths and English through night school.
• Helping me start my CV
• Writing to people about my rent and moving, and money situations
• Choosing the right college for me
• Giving me the confidence to start college and look for work. "

"Without the help of Routes I feel I would have no help or support. Over the years I feel they have done more than helped me – they have given me confidence and shown me I have the ability to have a successful future. "
Aged 19

"Routes has helped me with my CV and housing.
Gave me advice when I needed it.
Made me feel welcome.
Boosted my self confidence.
Help with my self-esteem.
Helped me when things went wrong.

If they weren’t here I wouldn’t go anywhere! I would go back to my old ways.

It would be a really stupid idea if you were allowed to close.

Actually the dumbest thing to do. "
Aged 18

"Routes Connexions helped me when I was going through a really rough patch.

To sort out my housing situation, which has been resolved.

Encourage me to participate in engaging activities now I’m on the Princes Trust turning my life around.

Connexions/Routes helped me a great deal so if Routes was not there I would still be getting in trouble with the police, have nowhere to live and would still be struggling for money, help and advice.

Don’t shut Routes Down!! "
Aged 17