IMPACT
Case studies
To protect the identity of individuals, photography used throughout this website is for illustrative purposes only.
Michelle’s story
"Without Contact I don't know where I would be, they have helped me turn my life around, it is the best place I could have hoped for when I became homeless."
MICHELLE
Michelle was 16 when she came to Contact. She had no stability and would stay in bed until 5pm most days.
Michelle is now working as a civil servant for Ofsted, has her own flat and says: "Without Contact I don't know where I would be, they have helped me turn my life around, it is the best place I could have hoped for when I became homeless."
GEMMA
Gemma came to Contact after a series of family rows forced her to leave home.
She thanks Contact for helping her get her life back on track. She says: “The staff were brilliant, they changed my life. I just didn’t know anything, and they helped me so much. There were little things like learning to cook and use a washing machine, but they also helped me with filling out forms and enrolling at College.”
Gemma’s story
“The staff were brilliant, they changed my life. I just didn’t know anything, and they helped me so much.”
Zara’s story
"I enjoy living at the hostel because it has given me the opportunity to learn new things and do stuff that I’ve not really done before. I’ve slowly learnt how to become more independent."
ZARA
Zara came to contact after having to leave a foster placement due to neglect and abuse. She was 17.
Zara had been in care from the age of 5 and had a very troubled childhood, we helped her deal with some of the issues arising from this. She stayed at contact for a year. Zara celebrated her 18th Birthday at Contact. We supported and encouraged her to finish her A-Levels, which she passed and was able to secure a place at Manchester University. Contact supported her to move into halls of residence and bought her all she needed to start her course.
MAYA
Maya was 16 when she came to contact, she was homeless after leaving an abusive family and her self-esteem was very low.
She stayed at Contact where she received the stability and encouragement she needed. The team supported her through her GCSEs and A levels. She achieved excellent results and is now studying at Leeds University. To help her on her way, we assisted with her accommodation and transported her there.
Maya’s story
"You gave me an opportunity to start a new life and be safe.”
Kirsty’s story
"I have love and affection in this house which I didn’t have before in my Mums house.”
KIRSTY
Kirsty moved into Contact when she was 18 years old. She had left an abusive home and struggled with the guilt of leaving younger siblings behind.
Contact helped her resolve this by ensuring she kept in phone contact with them. We also helped her through an application to work as a home carer, and when she got the job we adjusted her rent to make sure it was worth her while to work rather than stay on benefits.