Supporting Zoe* on Her Journey to a Legal Career

Zoe* arrived at Contact Hostel when she was 17 after she found herself without a safe place to stay. Without a stable home environment, she struggled to find a quiet place to study and focus on her education. Upon joining Contact, she was given her own room in the main house, complete with a dedicated study desk, and access to the hostel’s learning hub—a quiet space designed for coursework and exam preparation. With the support of her key worker, she was able to settle in and develop the skills necessary for independent living.

Despite the challenges she faced, Zoe remained determined to pursue her dream of working in the legal sector. With the stability offered by Contact, she was able to complete her A-Levels and successfully secure a place at university to study law.

However, rising student accommodation costs created uncertainty about where she would live. The housing crisis in Manchester further heightened her risk of struggling to afford rent or dropping out of university altogether.

To ensure that she could fully concentrate on her studies without the stress of housing insecurity, Contact made the decision to allow her to stay for the duration of her first year at university. While this is a longer stay than usual for the charity’s residents, it is a crucial step in supporting Zoe’s future.

Beyond housing support, Contact is also working to arrange valuable work experience for Zoe through our network of local supporters. This opportunity will help her gain real-world experience in the legal field and build the professional connections she needs to achieve her career goals.

Zoe’s key worker, Alex, shared:

"Zoe is an ambitious and responsible individual. She has worked so hard to get to where she is now, and I know that she will go on to achieve whatever she puts her mind to. It is a pleasure to support her here at Contact, and I look forward to seeing what the future has to hold for her."

Zoe’s story exemplifies the vital role Contact Hostel plays in transforming young lives. By offering a stable base, essential resources and long-term support, Contact is empowering young women like Zoe to overcome adversity and work towards a brighter future.

To help girls like Zoe achieve their dreams, please consider making a donation to ensure we can continue our vital work.

*Name changed to protect privacy.