Read Nicola's Story

Nicola was referred to Action for Children when she was 2 months pregnant. She had fallen out with her mum and dad and was homeless for 3 months before moving in to an Action for Children project.

Here is Nicola’s story:

I had fallen out with my mum and dad and was homeless for 3 months before I contacted the housing association. They referred me to an Action for Children project as I had no where else to go, I’d been staying with friends but I couldn’t stay there forever.

I was supported by Action for Children for over a year. When I moved in I was 2 months pregnant with my little boy.

Action for Children gives you a breathing space to sort yourself out and the staff really helped me with lots of things. It’s hard when you’re on your own but they made everything much easier. They helped me get my own accommodation and while I lived there helped me learn about budgeting, parenting skills and got me ready to be on my own with a new baby.

The staff were great and I could talk to them about anything, they were there for you 24/7. It was like having your mum and dad downstairs for you and the other girls were your sisters.

It really was like one big family.It was scary at first thinking about moving out but they don’t push you. They help you decide when it’s the best time to move out and only when you are ready.

The project really helped me increase my confidence and get me prepared to be a new mum. I was really shy when I first moved in, living there brought me out of my shell and they really encouraged you. If I ever felt like giving up college they were there to talk to and helped persuade me to stay on and finish my course.

I’m now looking to go to Salford University to do a media and performance course.

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