Real stories

Munii, 23, lives in one of Centrepoint’s Independent Living properties and was supported by the Centrepoint Jobs, Employment and Training team into an apprenticeship. This is her story in her words.

Ari (21), who is non-binary, left home following a relationship breakdown with their parents. After staying with their aunt for a week, they reached out to their local council for support. Ari was referred on to Centrepoint in Bradford where they received mental health and employment support. Ari has since moved into independent accommodation and is looking forward to the future.

When Jason became homeless during the pandemic, he called the Centrepoint Helpline who referred him into our Homelessness Prevention & Relief Service (HPRS) in. Once he had a roof over his head, Jason was able to find employment in a residential care home. Jason is now looking forward to going to university and finding a permanent home of his own.

When Danny first arrived at SLEAP (A Centrepoint partner organisation based in Lancashire), according to his own words "he did not exist". He had been rough sleeping for two years and he had no documents. Despite this difficult start, Daniel has turned his negative experiences into motivation to help others. He has won the 2021 Centrepoint Partner’s Inspiration Award.

Mitak received floating support from Centrepoint when he left the care system. Centrepoint helped Mitak to focus on his goals and follow his dreams. Today Mitak has written a book on his life story and set up his own digital marketing business.

Dale’s Centrepoint journey has been long and multifaceted. It started when he was just 17. He is now 23, has graduated with a first class honours degree in Sociology and Criminology and has recently moved into one of our independent living properties.

Malik was struggling with his sense of identity and a relationship breakdown with his parents meant he became homeless. Since being at Centrepoint, Malik has made new friends, been given valuable advice, started an apprenticeship and now moved into his own home. This is his journey in his own words.

Initially scared to accept help with his mental health, Tom eventually found sanctuary at Centrepoint and received wrap around support which enabled him to take the steps towards independence. He has now moved on into his own flat.

Ziggy had a difficult journey before he found support from Centrepoint. He fell in with a bad crowd and was rough sleeping. Seven years since leaving services, Ziggy, now 29, got in touch with us wanting to share his story in his own words.

Mari found Centrepoint in 1997 after being thrown out of home aged just 15. Not only did Centrepoint provide Mari with a roof over her head, they also provided a support network that she relied on for many years after. Mari now has a family of her own and works as a teacher.