“I am disappointed the YMCA is being moaned about and getting negative press it doesn't deserve. I used to live in the YMCA 2002/2003 and they helped me move into my own flat, helped me get jobs (by writing references) and helped me through a lot of tough times in my life since I moved out. I've had periods where I'd love to move back in because the support, friendship and mentoring in the YMCA can be second to none!

Not all the residents are like this group of lads, the vast majority want to do something with their lives and there are many ways for them to do it with the support of the staff and other residents within the YMCA community (including ex residents who still have contact and the training department).

Yes there are bad bunches of people in the YMCA, but can't the same be said for any close knit community. I've seen "bad" lads come into the YMCA (whilst I was living there and whilst I have been in my own property) who have changed their attitudes and life goals thanks to having the support they needed to do this. However I have also seen lads that at the time, wouldn't have been classed as bad lads, who have now gone off the rails.

PLEASE don't keep judging the YMCA on a few residents or as many now are ex-residents, the vast majority of us aren't as bad as you think we may be!”

“As someone who has worked for the YMCA for four years, it is disappointing that these young men committed these offences and also that the story linked them so closely with us.We work with many young people who have had problems before they come to us and it often takes time to achieve change with people. Only one of these young men stayed at the YMCA for longer than two weeks , three stayed less than one week and one did not stay at all. We achieve lots of good results with many young people who stay with us.Our expansion plans are to improve our service for young people by providing better facilities, we will not be accomodating any more young people than we do at present.”

“As anyone would be, I am saddened by this story and feel for the people who were victims here.

As part of the YMCA team, it is sad to see all young people judged by the actions of a very small minority. And for the majority, those young people need models, not critics.

Speaking to residents today, they were upset that the actions of these people would harm their reputation and sadly, given the comments here, so generalised as they blatently are, they were right to be concerned. You see, for the vast majority the YMCA offers transition, new opportunities and the support they need.

That's why hundreds of qualifications are gained each year, that's why so many are resettled and why so many become such an asset to our community (yes, our in the collective sense).

Every day I see the powerful potential in our young people, and the majority channel their energy to positive ends. Very few may not grasp these opportunities, but lets focus on what we can do.

If you want to see the real picture, come in, have a look round - please take us up on the offer as I am convinced your perceptions will change.”

“BRING BACK THE STOCKS! Put the scum into the old fashioned Stocks so the victims, families and neighbous can all seek their revenge. Humilliate the b*st*rds in public and physically assault them with rotten fruit & veg so they get hurt just as much as their victims.

But of course, Tony Blair's (ugly wife~Blair Witch) programme does not allow for this because of "IN human rights" cr#p.

As for YMCA, Bin There (YMCA) but 20 years ago. I had a lot of concerns then, but perhaps it was 'cos I wos : a) working so missed out on one of the 2 meals we had tokens for each day; or b) had a room to myself when opposite what was supposed to be a "male" area, was full of young girls.
That was in the 80's.

I wish that my "mispent youth" had been better mispent!”

“As an employee of the YMCA, I am proud of the achievements of our young customers. This small group of individuals chose not to take what we offer, so why should the rest of them be tarred with the same brush?”

“Matt, I'm sorry for that 'unintelligent' aside. It was uncalled for. Crime is a problem in all inner cities due to the sheer quantity of people residing in such concentrated spaces, and more and more are being packed into the University Quarter with each passing year - but it isn't particularly high (compared to the national average) in Stoke. I don't mean to trivialise your experiences though. They are in fact a real eye-opener.”

“The YMCA is a place for those to go who need help. It is not a plce for "chavs" and "prison trainees" to reside but a plce for those who have nowhere else to go. Do not judge those who stay here as we all do not know what we have coming to us and it could be a friend or family member of yourselves one day.”

“every chav should be shot to be honest. they we wouldnt have so much crime :)”

“I'm hearing alot of bad about the YMCA in hear. I think people need to hear from all the ones who have made it good from living there. They are all not bad. The YMCA is there to keep kids off the streets and this they do very well.”

“As an employee of the YMCA I would like to say that this goup are a minority and in no way represent the customers that live in the YMCA. The YMCA natioaly gives a home to over 7500 young people every night making it the largest single provider of accommodation in the UK. The YMCA is a none judgemental charity organisation that wecomes all, and works with some customers that are diadvantaged. The menbers of this group lived at the YMCA for less than a week, we were shocked and saddend when this incident happend and cooperated fully with the police investigation that persued.
As an enthusiastic organisation we are commited to helping the young people of North Staffordshire achieve their goals in life.”