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.
Frankie experienced homelessness and unstable living conditions throughout the Pandemic. With Centrepoint’s support, Frankie is now in stable accommodation, but facing challenges in being recognised as a Trans person when it comes to housing. Although, he is feeling more settled, he is concerned about what new challenges young vulnerable people will face in a cost-of-living crisis.
Emily, 21, was referred to Centrepoint after calling the Centrepoint Helpline following a family breakdown. She has been placed in a shared house with other young woman and is hoping to return to education once her mental health feels more stable. She has a keen interest in psychology and hopes one day to become a forensic psychologist.
Sharon became homeless after dropping out of university due to poor mental health. Six years later, she is in her third year of a new degree, working as a supported housing officer and volunteering for Centrepoint!
The cost-of-living crisis is affecting so many of the young people we support, the majority of whom are on benefits, studying or on a very low income. For Carrie, who has a three-year-old daughter and has just finished her first year of university, food poverty is making things almost impossible.
Paul and Ben are brothers who were reunited through the care system at one of our 16-18-year-old therapeutic services in Yorkshire. For Carol, the Deputy Service Manager, it was essential to manage this situation carefully in order for it to succeed.
At Centrepoint, Paul has been supported to work on his anger and cut down his alcohol intake. He has started a course in music technology and been supported by the bursary with a keyboard to help him with his course. He is hoping to eventually study music at university in the future.
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.
Lara was referred to Centrepoint aged 16 through social services. Since being with Centrepoint she has been supported with key decisions, education and mental health. She is now studying Law at University and is helped financially during her studies through the Centrepoint Bursary Scheme.
