This story sent front eh YLF, was only part of what happened to Louise, however when we met up with Louise, we was able to get more details about her story, i.e. why she went into hospital, etc.
Louise, from Maidstone, was 17 and had been in foster care since the age of 11. She had moved into supported accommodation soon after her 17th birthday to prepare her for living independently.
She struggled with this. She said, “One thing hit me hard; responsibility. I was totally dependent and responsible for myself. It was scary!”
Due to the big adjustments she needed to make to her life, Louise attempted to take her own life on three separate occasions and was admitted to hospital.
Whilst in hospital she contacted YLF and as we had supported her previously, she felt she could do this.
She asked if someone could come to see her, as she had not had any family or friends visit her. So we did.
On release from hospital, Louise was informed by her social worker to register for housing as her supported accommodation now deemed her ‘too high risk’ to accommodate.
Louise met a duty social worker at the housing dept and was told there was no accommodation.
She was therefore homeless. She was given a bed and breakfast room until accommodation could be found.
YLF offered Louise the opportunity to go away on an overnight weekend trip with a group of other youngsters to take part in positive activities. That weekend we were hoping that Louise would get a boost in confidence, the chance to have fun and give her a break from the pressures of the difficulties she was currently facing in life.
After the trip, YLF also allocated a mentor to work with Louise and support her with her accommodation application and the on-going transition to independence. Her mentor would also act as an advocate for Louise to ensure her rights were being considered and her welfare given priority. Our mentor supported Louise to find new accommodation and helped her furnish and decorate, learn how to budget and gave her someone to talk to and to listen to her.
Although this was a difficult time, Louise managed the transition and now lives independently and is working as a carer having studied for a childcare qualification.
She says “I didn’t think for 1 minute I would have come this far but, with the support of my wonderful mentor, and my drive to have a good life, I am getting there!”
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