Pottery Lane is located in Weymouth and is home to one of our young person’s accommodations. It supports up to 20 young people, ages 16 to 21. They live with us for a variety of reasons. These range from leaving unhealthy homes to needing accommodation while they bounce back on their feet.
Danielle used to live at Pottery Lane and wanted to share her experiences with us. Thanks, Danielle!
My name is Danielle, and this is my story.
I moved into Pottery Lane in 2018 due to problems with my previous accommodation. I was really happy to move in because of the phenomenal support available.
Moving into Pottery Lane was a big deal for me as I struggled physically and mentally. I was making bad decisions and needed to sort my life out.
The staff are all really lovely and easy to talk to; they helped me no matter what. Even if you mess up and make bad choices, it doesn’t matter. We are all human.
I was just starting college when I moved in. I wasn’t 100% certain about starting, but the staff helped me overcome all my worries by coming with me on my first day. And I completed my course, all thanks to the support.
While living at Pottery Lane, we did some really fun activities. For example, at Christmas, we decorated the house and made Christmas dinner for everyone. It was really nice to know that some people cared about us, as Christmas is a hard time for people.
We also have a pool table which was my favourite. We had a music room and someone come in and teach us how to use the instruments. There was also arts and crafts. We had house meetings where we got to choose what things we would like to do. And what food we would cook for house meal night where we would all join in and make food for the whole house and it got people involved and socialising.
Finding a new home
When the time came to bid on a home choice, I was worried and thought I wasn’t ready for independent living. But I got the support to prepare me for my own accommodation. The staff help you set home choice up and explain how to use it. They also sit down with you and tell you everything you need. They will help you with your finances so you know how it all works.
It was frustrating at times. I thought I was getting nowhere with bidding on flats, but one day, I looked with staff, and I got offered a flat! I was over the moon and really happy I had a flat viewing. It felt like it would take years to get a flat, but it was worth the wait.
When I discovered my move date, I was excited but worried. Because it was a big step from being in supported housing to my own flat. But the staff helped me prepare for the big move. When I moved out, the continuing support was really good and no matter what, they will always make time to try and help and support the best they can.
If it weren’t for Pottery Lane, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They helped me turn my life around, and I have a flat for myself. And it’s all thanks to them.
I know where the staff are if I need them; they are only a phone call away.
A special thank you to Danielle for sharing her experiences and to the support staff who go above and beyond to help young people.
