In a nutshell, what do you do?
I am an Outreach Housing Support Worker – this means I can help young people manage their independent living by learning how to look after their own accommodation, learning how to work with a budget and preventing being evicted. This can be in relation to a housing association accommodation or private renting.
How long have you been with hyh?
I have worked for hyh for 18 years and throughout it has been the ‘we can do this’ attitude of all the various staff who have worked, volunteered or been on student placements with us. We believe in young people and we believe with the right kind of support, we can be part of helping them decide what they are going to do with the hyh strapline of ‘It’s YOUR future.’
What is the most challenging part of what you do?
It’s very easy for workers to identify the needs of the young people, but some young people take a long time to realise their own needs themselves and to recognise when they are ready to get support and help. I love it when they finally realise why we are here and they actually want to engage; this can be life changing.
What is the most rewarding thing?
Seeing young people who have been through very tough situations, settle into their own accommodation, start to heal and take an active part in moving their lives forward.
If you had a magic wand what’s one thing you would wish for?
Preventing youth homelessness where possible, but where this is not possible, ensuring young people are safe, secure and know they are loved so that they can have a fulfilling future.