Episode 4. Homeless to Hopeful, YMCA South Midlands: Mission For Young People

Charity Stories from Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast In this episode of Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast – What’s Your Why?, Dean Jones speaks with Simon Green, Chief Executive of YMCA South Midlands, about the raw personal experiences – a close friend's time in hostel accommodation over 20 years ago, and the devastating loss of someone dear who lived there and died from addiction – that drove him to dedicate a significant portion of his life to supporting young people and helping them to make a fresh start.Simon opens up on the brutal intertwining of poor mental health, addiction and isolation that traps young people, and how YMCA MK works alongside them to build new starts – the unvarnished stories of lives turned around, second chances seized, and the quiet dignity of giving someone the shot at life they deserve. It's a story laced with resilience and determination, but also the high stakes, relentless stress and profound rewards of leadership when the stakes couldn't be higher.Real talk for charity leaders, local decision-makers and funders who want to grasp what it truly takes to stand with young people on the brink.Listen on all major platforms – Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube – or head to earlybirdphilanthropy.com/night-owl-podcast for more.Like, follow, subscribe. Share with one person who needs to hear this. One man's why, forged in grief, proves what's possible.