A £10,000 grant has helped people who experienced homelessness prepare for more independent lives in Bournemouth.
The Roger Raymond Charitable Trust awarded the funding in 2025 to YMCA Bournemouth’s Move-On Project, providing residents with one-to-one keyworker support, practical help, confidence-building opportunities and guidance before managing homes of their own.
Across its wider housing service, the charity housed or supported 180 people in 114 beds at 4 locations, delivered 945 individual keyworker sessions and ran more than 150 workshops during the year supported by the grant.
A total of 22 residents moved into more independent accommodation, while others received personalised support with health, benefits, budgeting, employment preparation, tenancy responsibilities and finding a longer-term home.
Christopher Wakefield, Head of Fundraising and Partnerships at YMCA Bournemouth, said the trust had given people “the time, encouragement and practical help” needed to rebuild confidence and prepare for life beyond supported accommodation.
One resident said: “I feel safe when I go to sleep at night.”
The charity also runs a Friday night soup kitchen at Westover Road, where around 40 to 50 people receive a hot meal, drinks, conversation and help accessing other services.
