How Martial Arts turned Jake’s life around

This is Jake, a young man who used to reside with the YMCA in Bournemouth a few years ago.

He came as a troubled young man, who hadn’t had an easy life, and at the time felt lost. As a resident, Jake was given support by the YMCA’s support groups and the whole team offered daily support to him.

Jake had ADHD which affected him quite severely, but he didn’t let it hold him back. After he left YMCA, Jake turned to boxing and MMA, worked hard and become a great fighter.

This provided evidence that when someone has a safe place to stay, an ear to listen, and the right support, it stays with them after they leave and they can build a good life for themselves.

Jake moved to London for a while before returning to Bournemouth and stayed in touch with YMCA. Once Jake had been out of our service for a couple of years some of the YMCA staff attended his first fight to cheer him on, before winning his second fight a couple of weeks ago.

Jake was also baptised on the beach last year and has now become part of a church community. He has also since been ‘adopted’ into a wonderful family through church. This young man  is an inspiration, and proves that people can change if they have the correct support around them.

YMCA Bournemouth works across five key areas – Housing & Support, Family & Relationships, Youth Work, Training & Education, and Health & Wellbeing – to enable people in the local community to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. YMCA provides essential services, including short-term supported housing for ages 18-65, youth clubs, family support, and health and wellbeing facilities.