Jenny’s Story
Jenny, 16, self-referred into the emergency Night Shelter after sofa surfing for several months.
Read Jenny’s story here:
Jenny’s Story
After repeated arguments with my mum I had been sofa surfing for several weeks before a friend told me about Nightsafe.
I didn’t have any money and I didn’t know I could claim Universal Credit until I was told by staff at Nightsafe who helped me open a claim.
I wasn’t in a good place when I went to them for help. I was due to start college – but had nowhere to call home.
Nightsafe were great. They explained my options and I decided to stay at the Night Shelter until a place came available at Safe @ Silas.
Nightsafe’s Life Skills, Education and Aspirations Project – known as LEAP supported me as I started college. They helped me claim for Universal Credit claim and even funded a termly bus pass and a DBS check I needed for my college course.
Nightsafe to the rescue when I needed them again
Nightsafe’s Life Skills, Education and Aspirations Project – known as LEAP supported me as I started college. They helped me claim for Universal Credit claim and even funded a termly bus pass and a DBS check I needed for my college course.
Within a few weeks I was falling behind with my college work and my attendance had dipped. Nightsafe once again stepped in to help. The LEAP co-ordinator arranged a meeting between me, my tutor and a member of the college Pastoral Team and explained to them the pressure I was under – living in the Night Shelter – and as result of this intervention college kept me on the course and my attendance improved.
After settling in at Safe @ Silas, I realised that the course I was on was not the right one for me. Again, with support from LEAP, I received support applying for a different course and securing a work placement.
Whilst living in Nightsafe accommodation, I’ve had the opportunity to complete a range of AQA accredited Lifewise units, teaching me how to cook healthy chicken stir fry, pasta dishes and a roast dinner.
As a way of giving something back for all the help and support Nightsafe has given me I decided to be on the panel of young people who helped the charity to successfully renew their Investing in Children Award.
LEAP supported me with my education, and with my entire move on from the Night Shelter. Without their support I would have dropped out of college long ago and I have no idea where I would be living.
** Images shown are not of actual person to protect their identity.
