Callum explains the joy of moving into his own flat and how asking for help kickstarted his recovery from addiction, youth homelessness, and a difficult chapter in his life.

Callum* found his life spiralling out of control in 2024 after a relationship breakdown and as he battled with addiction.  

“My issues with drugs got really bad. I was spending over £1,000 a week on my habit and started dealing drugs to fund it. Everything came to head, I became homeless, lost my job and ended up being arrested,” he said. 

“I was given a four-year suspended prison sentence with 200 hours of community service. I knew that I had to make a change so I referred myself to Amber.” 

Callum moved into supported accommodation provided by his local EveryYouth Delivery Partner, The Amber Foundation, in Wiltshire. There, he found a stable environment and access to the recovery support he needed.

“It was such a relief to come to Amber. My team leader has really helped with my recovery,” he said. 

After settling into a routine and engaging in Amber’s programme, Callum started to focus on turning his life around. 

“My team leader worked with my probation officer to help me with my rehabilitation. The 1:1 sessions with me really helped me cope with the stress of everything. To be honest, it has been imperative.” 

Fast-forward a few months and Callum got chatting to someone from Ringway who came on site to hold a careers workshop. Ringway manages and maintains the largest portfolio of highways service contracts in the UK. 

“I got chatting to guy in a suit. I wanted to know why they were visiting the centre. It became clear that I could possibly get a job with them, they were looking for HGV drivers and I had the relevant licence from my old job. 

He applied, got the job, and is now working full-time, balancing employment with his probation requirements.

“It feels so good to be moving on into my own flat. Everyone can see that I have turned things around.”

“I started working at Ringway a few months ago. It has been going really well but juggling all of my probation meetings with full time work has been a challenge. Luckily, my employer has been very supportive and my probation officer can see that I am trying to better myself.” 

Now, with help from the EveryYouth Housing Fund, Callum is moving into his own privately rented flat, a key milestone in his youth homelessness recovery journey. 

“It feels so good to be moving on into my own flat,” he says. “Everyone can see that I have turned things around and I can’t wait to continue to see my children on a regular basis.”  

Find out more about our EveryYouth Homed programme.

*Name has been changed.