In this edition, you will read stories about how Depaul UK is transforming the futures of young people experiencing homelessness.
Young people like Callum, whose story you can read on pages 8-9.
Callum had a tough childhood in care from the age of six. He told us: “I was moved about here, there, and everywhere. It was very disruptive as a young child.” Callum had little stability and little chance to learn. The damage such a childhood can cause is profound.
Then, as soon as he turned 18, he had to leave care. He describes the experience as: “Being dumped like a sack of potatoes.” At the very start of his young adult life, Callum found himself lacking the skills to make a success of living independently. Living alone in a flat, he found a job as a labourer, but his wages did not cover the rent and the bills, and he soon started spiralling downwards into rent arrears, homelessness, and a mental health crisis.
Thankfully our emergency accommodation service Nightstop helped change the course of Callum’s future. When he came to us in 2019, we found him a place with a volunteer Nightstop host. Callum stayed with his Nightstop host in her own home. He had never experienced that sort of kindness before. It was life-changing.
We hope you enjoy reading the latest edition of Safe & Sound.
