Ryan had completely disengaged from school and was involved in risk-taking behaviour. He had lost all interest in his friends and was experiencing extremely low moods. He was self-harming as a way of coping.

Ashley King, from Kirkcaldy YMCA, was awarded Mentor of the Year at the Scottish Mentoring Network Annual Meeting last November. Despite the tragic death of her son last year, she has continued to volunteer.

At the end of the Second World War, the whole of Europe was in turmoil as new demands were being made on every aid agency.

I got involved with YMCA Scotland’s heritage project after applying to become a heritage ambassador, this was part of a Heritage Lottery funded project encouraging young people to get more involved in the heritage of their charity. 

When Andy McGovern lived in Australia, he shared a flat with the man who was running Transtion Bondi, a sustainable living community. Through that relationship, he was exposed to new ideas around gardening and sustainability and also got the opportunity to visit many gardening projects.

I became homeless after splitting up with my girlfriend because my mental health was deteriorating. Having been in care, I had no idea what to do next. Thankfully, my social worker helped me get a place in YMCA Glenrothes’ supported accommodation.

I was born in Hyderabad in South India. I completed an M.Sc in Nutrition and Dietetics in India where I worked as a Lecturer. After I got married, my husband and I traveled a lot. We finally settled in Edinburgh 9 years ago.

The YMCA also connected me with the right people to help me stop using drugs. With the help of my addiction worker, I’ve been able to finally kick the drugs.