This year, three young people supported by Centrepoint's Bradford services, have completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. This story follows their experiences through the different stages of the award, and their journey with Centrepoint, as they move towards independence.
Akhida, 26, came to the UK from Bangladesh at 16, following an arranged marriage. However, she soon had to flee her home due to domestic abuse and the council referred her to Centrepoint for floating support. Akhida is now working full time and looking to go to university to help her become a social worker.
Isaiah, 18, came to Centrepoint after his Special Guardianship Order (SGO) ended as he became a young adult. Since living with Centrepoint he's been developing his cooking abilities, growing his independent skills and has recently helped with planting a new garden at his supported home.
Mr B, 20, came to the UK from Sudan in 2024 and was moved to Manchester shortly after he arrived. However after getting his refugee status he was evicted from his hotel and began rough sleeping. He reached out to Centrepoint for support and who helped him to get stable accommodation. He is now starting a new job and thinking about his future.
Over the summer, our fantastic partner Nationwide supported a cohort of young people with a week of work experience as part of Centrepoint’s Get Set Go programme.
Momo, 20, found Centrepoint after a family breakdown left him in a precarious situation of rough sleeping and sofa surfing. With the support of the Rough Sleeper's Team, he's now settled into his new home and working towards his dream of one day owning a garage.
Hash, 22, came to the UK 5 years ago after moving from Pakistan. He was finding it hard to balance his university fees and paying for accommodation which left him at risk of homelessness. After speaking to a friend, he spoke to social services who referred him to Centrepoint. He is now living in his own home, where he loves cooking, working full-time and thinking about long-term career goals.
Gill started volunteering 4 years ago after taking early retirement and looking for something that could give her a sense of purpose and direction. Whilst volunteering she's been involved in a variety of activities from coaching young people to supporting with ESOL and cheering on Centrepoint Marathon runners. We are so grateful for all of the support that Gill has given during her time as a volunteer and are excited for what comes next in her journey with Centrepoint.
Samsom, 18, came to the UK in 2023 as an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child, after he had to leave his home country of Eritrea. After living with his foster family until he was 16, he moved into a Centrepoint supported home. He's now thriving academically, having recently won Student of the Year at his college and being recognised through the Centrepoint Educational Excellence award.
Seyfu, 24, came to Centrepoint three years ago after leaving Ethiopia as an asylum seeker. When he arrived in the UK, he was struck by how many people he saw running, and as a way to meet new people and create a sense of community, he decided to join his local club. After years of consistent training and competing nationally and internationally, Seyfu is currently preparing for the 2028 Olympics, where he will be representing Team GB in the marathon.
