Marina, a 24-year-old care leaver, is with the help of our staff, rebuilding her life in our supported accommodation for young people with complex mental health needs. 

“Moving and packing is a big anxiety trigger for me,” says Marina. “I get so stressed out by it, even though I know nothing bad is going to happen.” 

Quiet, shy, and softly spoken, Marina is the antithesis of her chaotic childhood. Through complex circumstances, she entered foster care at just nine years old, and she hasn’t stopped moving since. 

“When I went into care, I went in with my sisters, but they ended up in one placement, and I was put in another. Their carer felt bad we were separated and made room to take me in for a while. But since then, I’ve moved foster placements every year.” 

The period between the ages of nine and 18 was defined by relentless instability, a chaotic existence that culminated in a severe mental health crisis. By the time Marina reached her 18th birthday, she had been placed with nine different foster carers. This meant not only changing caregivers but also schools, friends, and entire neighborhoods repeatedly, an ongoing disruption to her development and sense of safety.  

As she moved through early adulthood, the instability continued, and Marina’s mental health deteriorated. Already anxious about her care leaver support ending on her 25th birthday, she spiralled into depression after a difficult attempt to reconnect with a family member. “I felt so low… it was an impulsive decision, but I did attempt to kill myself and that led me again into hospital and then after that, here.” 

“Here” is the small, supported accommodation she now shares with six other young people with complex needs. A place designed to help them heal, grow, and learn independence. 

“The shared space feels warm,” she says. “We even have a sensory room with bean bags and a view. I feel like the environment of the house is settled. It doesn’t feel like formal shared accommodation, like other places I have been or seen.” 

It’s no surprise she feels that way. The house was created as a calm, reflective space, supported by staff who provide intensive help with emotion regulation. 

The 13-person Mental Health Support team is committed to providing trauma-informed, person-centred support that is gentle and not pressurised. Through shared activities; arts and crafts, mindful meditation, and through calm one-to-one conversations, they help young people feel safe, supported, and listened to. They also teach independent living skills such as meal planning and budgeting. 

“I really enjoy the key working sessions,” Marina says. “They’re not a forced, regular scheduled thing. It’s kind of when I want them or need them. They’re either just a long chat, or we’ll go out for coffee. Those have been quite nice.” 

She’s also formed a close bond with her mental health support worker Isabella. “She’s very easy to talk to. I feel comfortable hanging out and just yapping,” Marina says. “I end up leaving the conversation feeling better. There’s always a resolution or things just feel calmer. I feel a bit more, I don’t know, grounded.” 

Isabella, who’s been working at the house for just over a year, reflects: “It’s not unusual for care leavers like Marina to take longer to settle and connect with staff. Even to unpack their room. They’re so used to things changing so quickly; they’re sort of always ready to go back out of the door and go somewhere else. 

“When she first arrived, she was very quiet and very shy. Very sweet, but not ready to be around other people. We’ve seen a massive increase recently in her not just chatting with staff but chatting with other residents too, and meeting up with her friends outside of the house, which is really nice.” 

Now that things have settled down, Marina is looking to her future. She’s in the final stages of bidding for a council property and, in moments of worry, seeks reassurance from the support staff who remind her it will happen. “No more moving for a while after that,” she laughs. “That’s my current goal right now, and I can’t really think any further than that.” 

And when that time comes, Isabella and the other staff will be there to help. “We’ll make sure Marina knows the area. We’ll visit cafés and shops nearby. We’ll help with the packing – that’s a big thing. It’s a scary transition, but it’s exciting as well, and we’ll talk with her about that too.” 

Isabella adds: “I think care leavers like Marina are a group that’s easily forgotten. They have a lot of challenges growing up and by the time they’re adults, they’re just expected to get over it. But I hope she carries on being herself and growing in confidence. She is quite shy, but she doesn’t need to be, she’s fabulous.”