Ellie found Centrepoint when she was at University doing her Masters. Despite difficulties throughout her education she passed with a distinction and now focuses on helping other young people who need support.
The path to Centrepoint
By her early 20s, Ellie had completed her undergraduate course and was studying for a masters in a specialised subject.
Throughout her undergraduate degree she was allowed to stay in student halls, but during her masters the housing situation became challenging and she struggled to pay rent.
"Due to factors like family and mental health it took me longer to finish my masters," she explains. "Consequently, funding ran out and I was increasingly living on credit.”
This was a stressful time for Ellie.
“I didn’t know what to do,” she remembers, “I kept on getting further and further into an overdraft, so I started googling different organisations who might be able to help me."
She found St Giles Trust who put her in touch with housing advisor, Tom, who was on a secondment with Centrepoint."
“He was going to the local authorities to get them to provide housing for me. He also helped me apply for benefits which enabled me to stay in my accommodation a little bit longer”.
With Tom’s help Ellie was able to get into temporary housing where she has been living for the past five years.
Navigating instability
Prior to university, Ellie’s family situation wasn’t ideal, she explains “My parents had mental health issues. My household wasn’t abusive, but it wasn’t meeting my needs.”
Ellie herself was struggling with her mental health, which made studying challenging.
“I was in eating disorder treatment, so I was trying to do my masters whilst going to day patient five days a week.”
“As an undergrad, I got so much support from student services, but during my masters there was no grant or bursary support. I was going to A+E then getting back at 4am and having to go to a lecture later that morning. It was really tough and meant that it took longer for me to finish."
Despite the difficulties, she graduated with a first in her undergrad and a distinction in her masters.
Consistent support
The support Ellie received from Tom at Centrepoint during this time was vital. By having someone to advocate for her she was able to access opportunities that she wouldn’t have been able to.
“Tom was a role model and was someone I could speak to in a crisis. He pretty much called me every day and was there if I needed advice or encouragement.”
Tom was so impressed by Ellie's strength and resilience.
“She has done amazingly well. She has got on top of some very difficult issues and stabilised herself. She is now working in the sector supporting other people in vulnerable situations. I feel proud of the progress Ellie has made.”
Ellie found that Centrepoint's holistic approach was important in finding the best way to support her.
“One of the things that’s different about Centrepoint is everything is consistent, in statutory services you can get passed around a lot if you have multiple problems. But at Centrepoint, they will help you with everything.”
“Tom has been a really positive role model, it means a lot more when you don’t have that relationship with family”.
Looking forwards
Currently, Ellie is working with St Giles Trust to help young adults who need support with their mental health as well as their journey to independence. Ellie has also started volunteering with Centrepoint's Policy Team.
In the future, Ellie hopes to re-enter education and wants to continue working with young people.
“I would really like to get on the university doctorate programme but it’s so competitive. If I can’t do the programmes I want then I will find an environment that I’m comfortable so I can find my niche and make a difference.”
Ellie is in the process of bidding for houses with the council, but says that for the time being she is comfortable where she is.
“I would like to move into my own permanent accommodation, but I’ve been living very independently so it already feels like home here”.
We asked Ellie what her advice would be to other young people who are going through similar experiences.
“Don’t be defined by what anybody says about you," she reflects. "I would also say, be prepared for things to change. They may get worse, but they could also get better.”
“I also want to say thank you to Centrepoint, my experiences have made me more resilient but without them it would have been really traumatic.”
Ellie has been through an incredible journey. Despite still having a way to go, she is making waves and pursuing what she loves. We wish her all the best with the rest of her journey.
