Read Kevin's Story

“Action for Children helped me to get off the streets and although I was quite confused and angry they kept on helping. Having someone to talk to really helped me to get things off my chest and I feel calmer now. The staff were really great.”

Here is Kevin’s story:

“My mum and dad split up when I was 15 and I blamed my mum. I didn’t feel I could live at home anymore so I lived in an abandoned car for 2-3 months. My mum contacted Action for Children and arranged some accommodation for me.

They arranged for me to move into temporary accommodation through Hastings Community Council Association. However, because I wasn’t working, after 6 months I fell behind with the rent payments and was kicked out. I went back to the project and they found me some accommodation through the council in a local bed and breakfast. From there, the project worker put me forward for residential training. I did Horticulture which I found really interesting. During this time, the project carried on offering me emotional support and one2one sessions with a worker where we could work through some of my problems. After moving around for a bit and not really settling anywhere I ended up in Bournemouth where I got involved with Action for Children’s Articulation Buddies scheme which I loved.

Finally I ended up in Northampton where life really took a turn for the better. I got involved with the YMCA and got a council flat where I am living now.

I started to do some voluntary work with an organisation called youth bank which involves sitting down with young people and discussing which youth areas need funding and why. I get real satisfaction from it.

Action for Children helped me to get off the streets and although I was quite confused and angry they kept on helping. Having someone to talk to really helped me to get things off my chest and I feel calmer now. The staff were really great.

Due to my own experiences and how the project helped me, I’d like to have a job in youth work helping other young people aged 14-18 in a similar situation. I want to help them find a roof over their heads when they’re in trouble, just like the Youth Support Services helped me.”

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