‘GMYN gives you opportunities to try things you’ve never tried before’: Young people share experiences and memories at end of programme celebration

Care experienced young people supported by GMYN have shared their memories and experiences at an end of programme celebration.

Young people came together for the end of programme celebration for care-experienced young people aged 16-25 in Tameside earlier this month. 

The programme, run by project coordinator Anna Walters, has now come to an end after three years. Anna held the end of programme celebration at 4C community centre in Ashton, to celebrate all the young people who have been a part of the programme and reminisce on favourite moments.

During the celebration event young people decorated photo frames, created a handprint mural, added their favourite memories to a memory jar, played the video game Just Dance and took pictures together in the photo booth. 

Over the last three years young people have taken part in a huge range of activities including sailing and kayaking and made life-long friends.

Reflecting on the programme, one young person said: “It’s nice being around other young people who have been through similar situations. It makes you feel more comfortable around them in a way. 

“I definitely feel more comfortable around everyone here than my normal group of friends just because everyone here understands. My other friends don’t actually get it. You can make jokes here that you can’t with your other friends.  

“I feel like when I talk to someone at GMYN I’m not looking for advice, just for someone to listen.”

Anna said: “I have loved my time working as programme coordinator on this programme the last three years. The young people I have met are truly amazing and it’s been really special getting to know them all and also the fun we’ve had!  They should be proud of the young adults they are becoming, and I know they are going to smash whatever they do next.”

To learn more about GMYN’s programmes for care experienced young people here

Find information on how to support GMYN here.