Without The Y, I would have found myself on the street, I had lost everything. I had a job before but then an accident at work meant I couldn’t work and I lost my job. Then my mum kicked me out of home. I had two bags of clothes and my cousin let me sleep on the settee for a couple of days, then I went to my sister’s, then friends. I had anxiety and depression, I didn’t know what I needed to do with myself, I had never been in that situation.

I spent a night sitting on the pavement, I couldn’t sleep, you never know what could happen. It was just a horrible experience that made me open my eyes. I was only 19 and I still didn’t get it in my head that I was actually homeless.

I lived at The Y for nine months. The best thing was that I got the support when I was down, the staff are really good to you, they were really helpful, they didn’t ignore me. I looked after my room as I love my cleaning so I moved up to a flat. The Y was a good place but I wouldn’t want to be in that situation again. I felt more free, and I focused on myself, passed my security course and got a job.

When I moved out to my own place I was so happy and now I’ve been here four years. I am glad The Y helped me a lot and I got myself back together. Too many homeless people put themselves at risk, they shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. Now I’m doing an apprenticeship to be a manager and learning to drive. Friends and family have seen me working and they’re proud of me. During the pandemic there was no work and I suffered anxiety, but I’m trying to stay positive and I’m going to improve myself even more.

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