Reflecting on 12 months at Peile House 

At the recent charity conference, YWCA Yorkshire Co-ordinator, Mandy Bond, reflected on a year of activity at Peile House – YWCA Yorkshire’s homeless women's hostel.  The passion for our mission and the pride for the women we support was palpable as Mandy spoke with compassion and professionalism about the successes of the team and lessons learnt over the last 12 month.  Mandy said: 

“I am proud to be standing here today to talk about Peile House. This last year has not been easy for services like ours, but despite the challenges, we continue to support young people with increasingly complex needs, within systems that don’t always feel flexible or forgiving.  

“One big achievement we should mark, is that in the last 12 months, Peile House has had no evictions. That’s not luck. It doesn’t happen by accident. It is the result of consistent, relationship based, trauma-informed practice — day in, day out. 

“It reflects staff who are willing to have the difficult conversations early, who hold boundaries with compassion, and who never lose sight of the person behind the behaviour. 

“Peile House continues to run at full capacity, and the focus has never drifted from tenancy sustainment, safety, and helping young people develop the skills they need to move forward with confidence. Supporting someone to keep their home — especially when things get messy or challenging — is one of the most powerful forms of support we can offer. 

 “I also want to take a moment to recognise the external feedback we continue to receive about our service. Partners consistently describe Peile House staff as approachable, professional, knowledgeable, and deeply person-centred. Safeguarding is repeatedly highlighted as a strength — not just because policies exist, but because staff apply them thoughtfully, sensitively, and in real-world situations. 

“But beyond the outcomes and the feedback, what we’re most proud of is our team spirit. Peile House has an incredibly supportive staff culture. We back each other, we reflect together, and we show up — not just for the young people, but for one another. We manage high-pressure situations with calm and professionalism. We share learning openly, and we’re never afraid to ask for support or offer it when it’s needed. 

“Our team is built on trust, respect, and shared YWCA Yorkshire values — this is evident in the stability of the service we are delivering and the experiences of the young people who live with us at Peile House. “

You can learn more about Peile House and the support we offer here: https://www.ywcayorkshire.org.uk/sheffield