Young People Stories

Alyssa's Story

Alyssa faced homelessness at just 16 after her relationship with her mum broke down. Initially, she was able to stay with a friend and their family but unfortunately this was not somewhere she could live permanently. Alyssa’s friend and their family wanted to help however they could but were unsure of her rights and where they could turn to for support. They were pointed in the direction of Launch, our free service which offers advice and guidance to young people aged 11-25.

Alyssa* faced homelessness at just 16 after her relationship with her mum broke down. Initially, she was able to stay with a friend and their family but unfortunately this was not somewhere she could live permanently. She was stressed and experiencing significant trauma after the relationship breakdown with her mum and felt unable to deal with the pressure of college and subsequently dropped out.

Alyssa’s friend and their family wanted to help however they could but were unsure of her rights and where they could turn to for support. They were pointed in the direction of Launch, our free service which offers advice and guidance to young people aged 11-25.

The team met with Alyssa and assessed which pathway would best meet her needs. She had been diagnosed with learning difficulties and needed a supportive adult to help develop her skills and learn to live independently.

After this, a dedicated Launch Support Worker met with Alyssa weekly and talked her though the different services that could support her alongside Step by Step. Her Support Worker referred Alyssa to all of the appropriate services and liaised with them to come up with a plan moving forward.

Thanks to the Launch team’s advocacy, Alyssa was assigned to a social worker and able to have her voice heard in every decision. With her Launch Support Worker, Alyssa felt comfortable to express her opinions and set goals and aspirations for the future. The Launch team always advocate for young people to have their voices heard in what can feel, to many, like an uphill battle.

Alyssa has progressed significantly since she first came to Launch for advice. The team kept her involved every step of the way to ensure she received the exact support she needed.

She has recently been fostered and in her new safe, caring home is making strides to find fulfilling work. Alyssa is attending all of the appointments she’s required to and has even started to rebuild some of her familial relationships. She is a wonderful young woman who, with Launch’s support, is now able to reach her true potential.

*Name changed to respect privacy

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