Ben, 21, became homeless when he was struggling with his mental health and was referred to Centrepoint for support. He's now at college studying music production and has been sharing his love of music in the local community and beyond. He dreams of going to university and seeing where his music will take him.
Mental health struggles
Ben came to Centrepoint during a period where he was struggling with his mental health and getting the right support he needed. His anxiety meant that he found it hard to leave the house and due to his unpredictable mood swings he was asked to leave the family home.
When Ben found himself homeless at 16, he moved into supported accommodation in Greater Manchester. The accommodation wasn’t suitable for someone his age and in his situation. “When I moved into the support accommodation, I was 16 and I was very vulnerable. There were 25-year-olds asking me for money and to buy drugs. At that age you’re very vulnerable to people who are older. You look up to them and think they’re right”, Ben remembers.
Whilst living here, Ben’s mental health was getting a lot worse, and he was turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. There wasn’t any real support available to him and he was finding it hard to manage his feelings of anger, which frequently bubbled over into arguments and outbursts with other residents and staff. After a discussion with his GP and family, they decided the best option for him was to go to hospital and get the mental health support he needed.
Whilst in hospital he was able to get some support from the doctors and find medications and coping strategies that worked better for him. However, after only 6 months he was discharged and asked to leave the hospital. He didn’t feel well enough or ready to go and the thought of going back into supported accommodation was overwhelming. His care co-ordinator mentioned that Centrepoint would be able to help him, but Ben wasn’t sure given his last experience of shared accommodation.
Coming to Centrepoint
He knew that going back home wouldn’t be good for him and accepted the offer to move to a Centrepoint house. He didn’t know what to expect and was really surprised at what the space and staff were like. He remembers how welcoming they were when he arrived and the positive impact that had on him. He said “they actually see how it is from your perspective rather than their own. They treat you how we should be treated”.
However, whilst living here, Ben began drinking one night and got into an altercation with one of the night staff. This put his place at the house in jeopardy, and after a consultation with all his support team, it was decided that Ben would be moved to another accommodation. This decision was agreed with everyone involved and whilst a new place became available, he temporarily moved back in with his mum. For Ben this was a pivotal moment and guided his future actions and behaviours whilst living with Centrepoint. “That’s the last time I’ve misbehaved or disrespected anybody. I think that was a real eye opener and Centrepoint kept their word and set me up when it was ready”.
Returning to education
Whilst living in his new accommodation, Ben developed a close relationship with his key worker, Jay, who helped him, alongside his stepdad, look at options for a college placement. Ben had tried to attend college a few years before, but after struggling with his mental health, he wasn’t able to continue with his studies.
After originally looking at bricklaying courses, Jay was struck by how passionate Ben was about music and together they completed his application to a nearby college for a music production course. Ben said, “I wouldn’t have applied for myself. I would not have gone there by myself. Honestly, even if I knew I wanted to, I wouldn’t have done it. I thought it would have been too much, but now I’m going there”.
Together, they went to the induction and Jay helped Ben to get all the relevant documentation to enrol and set up with student finance. He even drove him back and forth from the college to make sure that he felt comfortable with where he was going and support Ben with taking this step. Ben commented, “I think Jay would do that for anybody in Centrepoint. Whether it’s music or a different subject or whether it’s a job, he’s really supportive with everything – Centrepoint are definitely really lucky to have Jay”.
Following the music
From a young age, Ben was always drawn to music and can remember teaching himself to play the piano in his mum’s room growing up. Music has been a key part of his life and something that has followed him throughout his journey, giving him a source of release when he’s needed it.
“Music’s always been the thing I’ve gone to. If something’s bothering me, I put all that tension and stress into my music. I think it’s a really good way to express myself and it’s not harming me and not harming anyone else. I think it’s one of the best things to be able to do and go to when you’re feeling like that.”
Alongside his music production course, Ben has had some great opportunities to showcase his incredible talents. From playing to intimate audiences at local senior living centres in partnership with the housing association to recently performing at his town’s Christmas light switch on to over 200 people, Ben is always excited at the chance to play his music. Reflecting on these opportunities, Ben is grateful for Jay pushing him to show his musical talents to the world. “The person I've got thank is Jay because he's helped me to get my music out there just as much as I do”.
Looking to the future
With just over a year left on his music production course, Ben is already thinking about what’s next. He has plans to get himself a space on a music course at university to continue studying his love of piano and production. He's currently living in a house with another young person and is enjoying the independence and possibilities the world has to offer.
When looking back at his own journey, a piece of advice he has for anyone who has a passion they want to pursue. “If you’re into something just carry on doing it. Don’t ever quit it because something’s happened. I’ve had so many reasons where I should have just stopped playing piano or given up, but I didn’t. I just kept going to it and it’s ended up being something I never thought I would be doing”.
We’re so excited to see what comes next for Ben and can’t wait to hear his music and see his name in lights one day!