In this episode of Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast – What’s Your Why?, Dean Jones speaks with Simon Green, Chief Executive of YMCA Milton Keynes, about the raw personal experiences – a close friend's time in hostel accommodation over 20 years ago, and the devastating loss of someone dear who lived there and died from addiction – that drove him to dedicate a significant portion of his life to supporting young people and helping them to make a fresh start.

Simon opens up on the brutal intertwining of poor mental health, addiction and isolation that traps young people, and how YMCA MK works alongside them to build new starts – the unvarnished stories of lives turned around, second chances seized, and the quiet dignity of giving someone the shot at life they deserve. It's a story laced with resilience and determination, but also the high stakes, relentless stress and profound rewards of leadership when the stakes couldn't be higher.

Real talk for charity leaders, local decision-makers and funders who want to grasp what it truly takes to stand with young people on the brink.

Listen on all major platforms – Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube – or head to earlybirdphilanthropy.com/night-owl-podcast for more.

Like, follow, subscribe. Share with one person who needs to hear this. One man's why, forged in grief, proves what's possible.