YWCA Yorkshire’s homeless hostel, Peile House, has been awarded £8,750.60 from the YOR4Good fund. The money will be used to deliver a programme of activity that develops emotional and practical life skills, whilst promoting environmental sustainability.

The Inside Out Wellbeing Programme will reduce the risk of repeat homelessness, enhance mental wellbeing, and strengthen social networks. Women supported by YWCA Yorkshire, staff and volunteers, have co-produced a programme of activity designed to support vulnerable young women to break cycles of trauma and poverty and build healthier, more productive lives.

Peile House is YWCA Yorkshire’s homeless hostel and trauma-informed support service for young women aged 16–25 in Sheffield. Young women living at Peile House have experienced multiple disadvantages including domestic abuse (68%), sexual violence or exploitation (60%), and poor mental health (77%), with 33% having contemplated suicide.  YWCA Yorkshire gives residents a safe and supportive place to live and access to compassionate, expert and inclusive support programmes to aid recovery.

Peile House is using the money from the YOR4Good fund, to deliver a structured programme of weekly wellbeing sessions, in both indoor and outdoor settings – including therapeutic and creative activities such as yoga, arts and crafts, and nature-based trips, designed to improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and build self-esteem.

The Inside Out Wellbeing Programme will transform the hostel’s underused garden area into a calming, private space, where young women and children can feel safe and learn new skills and Peile House residents will lead on planting flower beds and creating a community vegetable garden. Homegrown produce will be used in cooking sessions, and to explore and develop independent living skills such as budgeting, healthy eating, and meal preparation.

YWCA Yorkshire’s Chief Executive, Diane Offers, said, “We couldn’t deliver the level of therapeutic intervention needed without the funding support from YOR4Good and the volunteer support from corporate partners. Projects like the Inside Out Wellbeing Programme really can change lives, not just for the women we are supporting now, but for the next generation, for future neighbours and for our wider communities.”

Phil Henderson, YOR4Good Fund Chair & YORbuild Programme Manager, said, “The YOR4Good Fund is proud to support the Inside Out Wellbeing programme, which is providing invaluable assistance for vulnerable members of our community. The residents of Peile House will receive life-changing support and the foundations for a new start. Involvement of the YOR4Good Fund would not be possible without the co-operation of the Contractors appointed to the YORhub frameworks enabling us to give back to the communities we serve. “