James’ story*


James grew up regularly witnessing domestic violence between his parents. When his mother left the family home, he continued to live with his father but soon became subject to the same kind of violence. At the age of 16, he became homeless. With limited accommodation options for single young men, he spent a year ‘sofa surfing’ living with various friends.


After a year with no permanent solution to his accommodation needs, James moved into one of Depaul’s hostels. When he first moved into the hostel he was quite chaotic and got in with the wrong crowd of friends who were often in trouble with the police. But through having a safe place to stay and the support of Depaul staff, he began to turn his life around; he worked though his substance misuse, and started volunteering for a local charity.


With the help of our resettlement team within the hostel, he secured long term accommodation with a local housing association and began to make preparations to live independently.


James continues to receive support from his Depaul Resettlement Worker as he learns to live independently in his own flat. He is now studying for a degree in Television and Media Studies. In the future he hopes to find a job in the industry and maybe even study at a film academy in New York or London.


“


Depaul have helped me get where I am today, they have encouraged me, and the people who work there have been good role models. I am still being supported by Depaul, and I know I can always call them if I am struggling and they will help me, and reassure me. James


” page 5 Safe&Sound


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16