At 16, Leah* (name changed) arrived at Contact after ‘sofa surfing’ for several months – an exhausting and unpredictable way to live.
Lacking a fixed address and the guidance from parents, she hadn’t been in education since she was 12 and her confidence had taken a knock over the years.
Contact gave her something she hadn’t had in a long time, a secure place to live and a dependable support network. With her Key Worker, Leah enrolled on a vocational computing course and completed it, her first interaction with any form of education or training in over four years.
Leah had experienced depression and anxiety throughout her teenage years, and becoming homeless left her feeling low and unmotivated. Once she arrived at Contact, weekly support sessions with her Key Worker gave her a safe space to talk and reflect, while referrals to specialist mental health services helped her feel calmer and more in control. Leah described the experience as having a genuinely positive impact on her mental health.
For the first time, she could focus on her future and make plans. Eventually, Leah moved to live with friends nearby, leaving Contact with qualifications, new skills and confidence in her next steps.
Contact wasn’t just somewhere to stay – it gave her a safe base to grow, learn and move forward.
Leah can say that:
“My experience has been amazing. All staff are welcoming and approachable, always happy to be a listening ear. I’m really happy with the initial and ongoing support, the welcoming environment, and the genuine care I’ve received.”
* All names and identifying details have been changed to protect anonymity. Some stories combine experiences of more than one young person, but all details are based on real experiences during their time at Contact Hostel.
