Hi My name is Michael Hughes, I am 19 years old. I lived at the YMCA for over two years after leaving foster care at the age of 16. Whilst living at the YMCA I was on the Residents Committee voicing other resident's views. I enjoyed living at the YMCA as I gained qualifications by attending training courses and became stabilised and more confident.

In March of this year I started a care leavers initiative with Halton borough Council. They found me a 6 month work placement with Halton YMCA. I am now a trainee Administrator and I am studying towards an NVQ 2 in Business Administration.

I now enjoy working here and find it interesting to see things from the other side. Since starting the Placement at the YMCA I have tried to change peoples ideas of how the residents are portrayed in the community. Hopefully this Blog will give me the opportunity to voice the reality that not all homeless people are what most people think of them.