21-year-old James* first came to Emmanuel House in January 2023. James has had a long experience within the care system, which he feels let him down. His experience in multiple foster placements was similar. His volatile behaviour led to him being remanded in a Young Offenders Institution and subsequently mainstream prison. He was released from prison into homelessness.
After James first visited Emmanuel House, our Tenancy Support Worker Kelly met with him every day to provide emotional support. Kelly carefully listened to him about his needs. He started to feel understood. She was able to support James with an application for housing and helped to get him considered as a priority.
James is now living in his own one-bedroom flat. This is the first time he has had somewhere to call home in 6 years. Even though this is understandably daunting for him, he feels happier knowing that he will have ongoing support from Emmanuel House and, due to the unique nature of our drop-in service, he knows he can come and get the help when he needs it, rather than having to make an appointment.
Kelly has helped him set up utilities, learn how to budget and cook his own meals. She has also been supporting him with family issues, which continue to be up and down. James is feeling more positive about his future and although he still struggles with his personal issues, he is more confident about the future and his self-worth.
James is currently concentrating on maintaining his flat. This is new territory for him, which he has to work hard to maintain. He’s thinking of going back into Higher Education in the future. He loves music and is very creative. He would love to set up a home studio and start mixing his own tunes. He’s going to start going to the gym again.
Kelly said: “I have found that by using the right approach and not making him deal with too much at once has been helpful. He still has his moments of frustration but because I haven’t let this hinder me and I’ve let him have these moments without backing away, he is more trusting of this service.
“Allowing him to be himself and be understood for perhaps the first time in his life has really helped him flourish.”
*Names have been changed to protect identities.
Emmanuel House exists to reduce homelessness through prevention, intervention and recovery. We work with people like James who are in crisis and need intervention. We share the journey of recovery out of homelessness into settlement or a place of safety.
Please consider donating to Emmanuel House to help us continue providing support for people like James.
