Hostel Manager Recognised as Community Hidden Hero

Jeremy Theeten, Deputy Housing Manager and one of the longest serving members of staff at the YMCA Exeter, having served over 10 years, has been recognised as a Hidden Hero, for his huge commitment to his role. Jeremy provides a trained and qualified presence 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the hostel in Exeter which houses 31 young people between the ages of 16 and 29 and is staffed by support workers from 9am to 10.00pm. This means Jeremy is on call throughout the night as well as having a busy and crucial role during the day.

Jeremy was awarded the accolade of Hidden Hero by hotel industry charity Room to Reward and will now receive a complimentary break in a participating hotel in recognition of his inspirational work.
Jeremy was nominated for the award by the Si Johns, Joint Executive Lead at YMCA Exeter, Si stated:

“The residents at the YMCA Exeter feel they are not being policed but cared for, thanks to Jeremy. Jeremy works cheerfully and in a non-judgmental way with all our residents. Coming into the hostel for the first time can follow a time of homelessness, family breakdown, perhaps mental illness and drug or alcohol misuse. He knows everyone personally and provides a real sense of stability from the day they first arrive. He is key in fulfilling the YMCA mission of enabling people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit and works to create a place where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.”

The YMCA Exeter has supported young people in their time of need through a wide range of Youth Services Since 1846. The Christian charity is passionate about creating positive opportunities for vulnerable young people to thrive, grow in their unique skills and inspire them to become transforming influences in their communities.

Room to Reward Charity Director Adam Terpening commented: “Jeremy’s nomination demonstrates how one person’s dedication and compassion can change the lives of others. Jeremy is a fantastic example of a Hidden Hero and it is an honour to be able to recognise this through our scheme.”

‘Room to Reward’ work with many registered charities, including ‘Mencap’, ‘Macmillan Caring’, ‘National Autistic Society’, ‘Maggie’s Cancer Centres’, ‘Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’ and ‘Wales Air Ambulance’, the programme is supporting charities to give something back to key individuals, who make such a difference to the lives of others.

If you would like to find out more about the ‘Room to Reward’ scheme you can visit www.roomtoreward.org or email Adam Terpening, Charity Director, at [email protected]

Notes for Editors
 ‘Room to Reward’ is an exciting new registered charity that was launched in July 2015. Since its launch, over 90 hotels are now supporting the scheme. Over 100 hidden heroes have been nominated from various charities. ‘Room to Reward’ is the first of its kind in the hospitality industry. Hotel partners donate their anticipated unsold rooms to reward deserving charity workers with complimentary hotel breaks across the UK.
http://www.roomtoreward.org/

Registered Charity 1160675

Images:

Joint Executive Lead Si Johns (left) Presents Jeremy (right) With His Hidden Hero Award.

Jeremy Blows Out the Candles on His Thank You Cake