1. Why did you need supported lodgings?
I was a long-term carer for my Dad. Unfortunately, he passed away when I was 14 and at that point I moved in with my mum and stepfather. My step-father is not a very nice person and the home environment wasn’t a very healthy one. They both drank a lot and I was being verbally abused on a daily basis by my step-father which, sometimes, and especially when he was drunk, would include physical abuse.
2. How did this make you feel?
It made me feel unsafe especially when the physical violence was bad. I didn’t want to be there anymore.
3. When did you move in with hosts and how was it?
I moved in with hosts just after my 16th birthday. I was a bit sceptical at first as I wasn’t sure how it would be living with a new family but it turned out well. I used to find it was difficult to concentrate especially at school as I was constantly worried about going back home. Living with hosts I felt settled and happy. I was surprised at how nice they were and it was weird going from being shouted at all the time to not being shouted at at all
4. How has Concrete Rose, with support from LandAid, helped and supported you?
Concrete Rose gave me a safe place to go far away from where I was living. They helped with clothes and stuff for college. They helped sort my driving licence and also get driving lessons. We’ve been on a few trips including camping, go-karting and Alton Towers. I also learnt a lot more recipes at my hosts and feel much more confident in cooking for myself.
5. How did it feel when you received support from Concrete Rose, made possible by LandAid’s funding? What impact has this had on you?
It made me feel hopeful for the future and motivated to succeed. It helped me to go to college and start to build a future for myself.
6. Where are you now? What are you doing? How do you feel?
I’m currently doing my Level 2 Diploma in plumbing at college and am living independently and taking care of myself. I feel happy and content and looking forward to the future.