Lily, 20, reached out the Centrepoint Helpline after she was kicked out of her partner’s sister’s home. She sofa surfed with a family friend who recommended she called the Helpline and Lily reached out for support. She’s now living in shared accommodation and is excited to have a space of her own.
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.
Miss Lartey came to Centrepoint after a family breakdown and was supported by a few organisations to help her find a home and live an independent life. She is now a pillar of her local community, starting up her own charity called Naala’s House, which aims to empower communities, combat poverty and create sustainable and long-lasting change.
NB, 23, came to Centrepoint after leaving the care system and moving in with her boyfriend. After falling pregnant with their first child, her home became an unsafe and unstable environment for her and her new born and she was referred to Centrepoint. She's now thriving with her two children and getting ready to move onto their own home in the near future.
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.
