Students from Exeter’s twin city visit YMCA

YMCA Exeter were excited to welcome a group of 26 French Health and Social Care students on Tuesday, who had made the 366 mile journey from Exeter’s twin city, Rennes, to visit the charities Supported Housing Project.

Statistics from French campaign group “Les morts de la rue”, show that one homeless person dies every 20 hours in France, hence the purpose of the visit for the students was to find out more about the work of YMCA Exeter and understand how the challenge of homelessness is tackled in the U.K.

Group Leader, Aude Leclerc, revealed why a visit to YMCA Exeter was so crucial for the students. “Many of our students are aspiring to become social workers, care givers, police officers and healthcare professionals. They have a passion to learn how best to help people and more specifically, to find practical solutions for homeless young people.”

During their visit to England, the students also visited the Y.E.S. Centre, a service that offers young people free and confidential support and advice.

Jeremy Theeton, Deputy Housing Managed at YMCA Exeter says how, “The students were extremely impressed by the work we do here at the YMCA and it is encouraging they place value on helping others achieve success in all they do also”.

YMCA Exeter works to provide crucial support for homeless young people in Exeter, through providing accommodation, employability education and rehabilitation support for ex-offenders.