Adil's story: An impossible choice
Adil left Syria as an unaccompanied minor aged 16 and made the treacherous journey to the UK in search of safety. This is his story in his own words.
We share the stories of those with lived experience of homelessness and those working to end it. Through these voices, we raise awareness, inform research and raise funds to support young people and to end youth homelessness.
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Adil left Syria as an unaccompanied minor aged 16 and made the treacherous journey to the UK in search of safety. This is his story in his own words.
Leni* (20), was referred to Centrepoint in 2020 after leaving care aged 18. They are now in their own flat, but still receive floating support as well as support from our dedicated health team. They identify as non-binary. This is in their words.
Rana, 22, became homeless due to family issues and was referred to Centrepoint. She is now living independently and working as a Lettings Director.
Carrianne came to London in search of her father in 1983 at just 15-years-old. She met two punks in Soho who told her about the Centrepoint night shelter.
Centrepoint supported Antonio with securing housing and an apprenticeship in hospitality. He is now living independently on the Kent coast with his fiancée and hopes to one day run his own bar.
Amelia was just 16 when she became a mother and moved into our young parent’s service. She was supported with benefits, budgeting, education – vital tools in a cost-of-living crisis.
Aimee was the first apprentice recruited through the Centrepoint Apprenticeship Academy, which offers work opportunities to those with lived experience of homelessness.
TJ was supported by the Centrepoint Bursary to complete a professional football scouting qualification. He is now working as a scout for a London Football Club, something he says would not have been possible without that financial support from Centrepoint.
Following a family breakdown at 18, Kyle ended up on the streets. With support from Centrepoint, Kyle is now in his own permanent accommodation, has put drugs behind him and is on the path to securing stable employment.
Ed Worley, better known by his artist's name, Opake, battled addiction, homelessness and psychosis in his 20s. It was only the repetition of a creative process that saved him. Now in his 30s and thriving, he wants to share his experience to help others.
Kyla sought help from Centrepoint in 2018 when she was at breaking point after her baby son was adopted. The team in Manchester supported her with drug and alcohol counselling, mental health support and securing housing and benefits. Four years later, Kyla is in her own home, in the second year of university and teetotal. Here is her story in her own words.
Tom was supported by Centrepoint after a long period of sofa surfing. He attended a activity camp through Centrepoint which has given him inspiration for his future.