Overcoming homelessness is no easy task. Homelessness in the UK has increased rapidly in the last few years. According to research by Shelter, at the end of 2023, an estimated 309,000 people were homeless. That is an increase of 14% from the year before. Homelessness can be caused by many things. Such as a lack of affordable housing, the cost-of-living crisis, domestic abuse, poverty or substance misuse.
No one chooses to be homeless; people are forced into it when all other options are exhausted. And it’s often difficult to find your way back, but it’s possible with the right help and interventions. One person who did this, and went on to have a successful career in the building industry, is Nicola.
Nicola met us when she was delivering gift packages with her colleague during our Christmas 2023 campaign. She said she wanted to help others the way she had been helped. And in this case, it was through giving gifts that she had once been delighted to receive.
While we were chatting, we learnt that she lived in a service we used to run in Fareham. It was our supported living service for young people. And our very own Director of PARAGON, Tonia Redvers, used to work there, although at a different time.
We asked Nicola to share her story. Thanks Nicola!
Overcoming homelessness
My name is Nicola and when I was 18 years old, I became homeless.
I didn’t get along with my family and felt like I wasn’t good enough compared to my brother. We’d moved away from all my friends and familiarity, which was really isolating. I didn’t make friends and constantly argued with my parents. So, in the end, I ran away. For three months I was sleeping on different people’s sofas. And occasionally, when I couldn’t find anywhere to sleep, the street. All while I was attending college.
This was a really scary period, and I constantly worried how I was going to eat. I discovered The YOU Trust by visiting my local Connections Support. They put me in touch with YOU and I was placed in a supported living house with other teenagers, where I stayed for three years. When I first arrived at East Street, I would describe myself as an abused animal; very distrusting and skittish.
Life skills
During this time, I learned to cook, manage my finances and how to make the best cup of tea! I didn’t always make it easy for the support workers, though. I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) during this period. I couldn’t cope with the abandonment and anger I felt with my family and my unstable emotions. I also tried to take my life on several occasions because I didn’t think my life would get any better. I couldn’t cope with knowing I would have BPD for the rest of my life.
The support workers never-ending patience and kindness really helped me feel like I wasn’t alone during this time, and that somebody cared. We would make brownies and watch movies. Sometimes, we would just sit in the office drinking tea and talking. They encouraged my love of reading and I would escape to the local library for hours every day.
When I first found The YOU Trust, I was a scared and depressed teenager. Now, thanks to all the help I received from support workers, I can proudly say I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in life. I’m also five years off medication with no episodes.
I’m now currently looking to buy my first home with my boyfriend and dog. I have a successful career in the building industry and I’m halfway through completing my degree in English Literature and Language. Things that I never thought possible.
Thank you so much for your story, Nicola. We hope this inspires people to help those around them. If you are in the Portsmouth Area, and need help with advice on housing, contact our Advice Portsmouth Service.
