Momo: I don’t have to worry about anything

Finding Centrepoint

Momo, 20, first became known to Centrepoint a couple of years ago after a family breakdown meant that he could no longer stay at home. After being placed in temporary accommodation, Momo decided to move back home. However, before long, he was unfortunately made to leave again, because of the ongoing family conflicts. 

After leaving the family home, he began to sofa surf with friends, when he could. However, when he was no longer able to stay with them or it wasn't an option, he had nowhere else to go and he started rough sleeping. Whilst dealing with such a challenging housing situation, Momo wasn't thinking about what support might be out there for him, and was trying to get by, day-by-day.

“I’ve had some family issues. To be fair, this is my second time with Centrepoint for pretty much similar cases. My mum kicked me out and I was just sleeping rough, and I was sofa surfing at friend’s house and then I was outside, and it was Ramadan as well. Centrepoint care was the last thing on my mind.” 

After spending a few months either rough sleeping and sofa surfing, Momo had a moment of realisation that he needed some help to change his situation. He called the Centrepoint Helpline and after explaining what had happened, Sharon, a Rough Sleeper Support Worker, came to meet him. They talked about his housing situation, his experiences and what support he might be able to get. After meeting, Sharon took the information he had given her, and she looked for different accommodations he might be able to move to.

After being initially moved into a hostel for one day and staying in a few different places, Momo was eventually able to get a more permanent tenancy in a supported accommodation, where he is living now.

“And then I just thought, I’ve had enough. I was just looking online and I just found it and then I called Centrepoint, and they found me outside sleeping and Sharon came out to see me. She managed to get me into hostel, but I was only there for one night. And then after that I went to another hostel and that was for around 3 months and then I moved into where I am here.”

Centrepoint support

Alongside supporting Momo to get into his new accommodation, he also remembers Sharon was able to help him with food vouchers, if he wasn't able to pay for his groceries that month. He’s been grateful for the different kinds of support that Centrepoint were able to give him during the different parts of his journey. 

“Sharon was able to help me when I needed money and give me some food vouchers so I can grab some food and then look after myself. They’ve given me so much support and helped me get into this hostel as well.”

Now that Momo is settled in his accommodation, the Centrepoint team are closing his case so that he can move into a more independent living situation – however, if he finds himself needing support again, he knows that they will be there to help him. Although he's happy about the situation he's in now and that he's in a more stable place, he’s sad that the won’t be working with the Centrepoint team anymore.

“It has been really helpful and I’m sad that we won’t be working together anymore. I felt a bit sad, but I did give them thanks for the help they’ve given me, and I do get a bit of support at my hostel so I’m alright with that.”

Reflecting on his journey

Thinking back about what he’s been through, Momo recognises the impact that his experiences have had on his mental health. However, now that he’s settled into his new accommodation and has a support system around him, he can feel the positive effects this is having for him and his wellbeing.

He enjoys being able to have his friends come to visit his new home, something that hasn't always been an option for him in his previous accommodations. His new home gives him space to cook with his friends and they like to prep some food together for a long walk around the Peak District.

“Before this my mental health has been really low because of this whole situation but since I’ve moved in here, I feel like now I can have my friends over anytime they want, and I can relax and I have peace of mind. I don’t have to worry about anything.” 

Thinking about what’s to come

Momo has always had an interest in cars and mechanics and from that he grew a passion of one day working on and fixing them – even possibly owning his own garage. Whilst thinking about this as a potential role and what the future holds for him he can see the steps he needs to take to get there. 

“I’m interested in mechanics – engines and cars, German cars really. I like cars so I thought I might as well come to learn how to fix them. So, then I was fixing them”. 

“Probably another thing I need to work on is my driving licence as would make my life easier. And then after that open my own garage somewhere. We’ll see what happens.”

For Momo, he's clear on his goals of being able to find a job and he has ambitions of getting his own house one day. Alongside his dream of becoming a mechanic, he also has an interest in roles in security - open to any opportunities that come his way.

“Getting back into work again and try and get a house as soon as possible and try and get into mechanics or security. I’ve been taking into consideration some security roles.”

For Momo, who has come through a journey with his own mental health, he has a piece of advice for young people who might be struggling or don’t know where they can turn for support.

“If you’re going through any mental health or anything, don’t keep it hidden because no one will be able to help if you if you keep it hidden. That’s what I’ve learnt. Speak up if you need any help. Call Centrepoint or other homelessness services for young people if you need it. But I do recommend Centrepoint because you helped me in my situation.” 

We wish Momo all the best for getting into mechanics and achieving his goal of owning a garage!