Adam’s Story
Adam is a young person who faced significant challenges after moving to the UK. From overcoming trauma and fear to learning how to live independently, Adam’s path was not easy. With the support of the hyh team, Adam was able to build a safe, welcoming home and take steps toward a brighter future. Adam’s story shows the power of support and perseverance, and the impact of small, positive changes.
Living independently
Living independently is a big milestone in a young person’s life. It brings excitement, but also new challenges. For Adam, this journey wasn’t easy. After a difficult two-year trip to the UK, while grieving his family alone, Adam had lost his confidence. Due to his trauma, Adam struggled with a fear of the police. It was also hard for him to leave the house or feel safe in public spaces. When Adam moved into his own flat, he faced the challenges of managing bills and responsibilities, which were made even harder by a language barrier.
Support from Herts Young Homeless
That’s where the hyh team stepped in. They supported Adam as he navigated this new chapter. One major hurdle was a massive electricity bill—over £1,650. The hyh team worked tirelessly to challenge the bill, discovering that it was an error by the energy supplier. Over the next five months, they got both the gas and electricity meters replaced with ones that worked properly. They even took the case to the energy supplier Ombudsman, who intervened to make things right. Eventually, a new bill was issued, and the supplier offered Adam a £200 goodwill gesture for their poor service. Adam was left with a final bill of around £200 for the last six months—something he could finally pay off.
But hyh’s Outreach workers didn’t stop there. They sourced Adam curtains for his flat, helping to keep it warm and to give him the privacy he needed. They also provided paint so Adam could make his space feel more like home. Through a local charity, they arranged for a comfortable leather sofa to be delivered—something Adam could never have afforded on his own.
A stable home
With these changes, Adam’s flat became a true home. It was a safe place where he could start rebuilding his confidence and moving forward in life. When Adam’s case was closed, he was attending college and making new friends. He was feeling more settled and happy in his new life.