Sophie’s Story | EveryYouth
Sophie shares how she is using her love of animals to build life skills, confidence, and a path towards meaningful work:
I’m Sophie and I’m 18 years old. I was brought up by my mum but the relationship broke down and I left my mum’s house at 17 years old. I didn’t know what I was going to do.
I stayed with a family member for one night and they helped me contact the local authority to say I was homeless. This was after Christmas and New Year.
In January I was placed in emergency temporary accommodation with the local authority. Not long after, I moved into supported accommodation at my local EveryYouth charity, Aberdeen Foyer.
At first I was nervous and didn’t really talk to staff. But over time I started going to some of the activities on offer. I especially like the cooking sessions, the art and crafts classes, and the youth café. It kept me busy when there wasn’t much to do.
I really liked the staff who ran them. They also taught me a lot about how to live by myself which I didn’t know much about.
I had the same support worker for a long time which meant I didn’t have to keep repeating myself. It made things easier. I met with my key worker weekly, but I could access support from all the staff when I needed it. There was an on-call support service for out of hours and at weekends.
I started working with the Futures Team at Aberdeen Foyer, through the EveryYouth Employed programme, to explore my career options. They helped me in many ways, such as writing my CV and applying for college.
“I am feeling positive about the future. I would like a job working with animals and I’m hoping to get some work experience at Pets at Home.”
They helped me apply for and start an ASDAN short course in animal care because I love animals. I am feeling positive about the future. I would like a job working with animals and I’m hoping to get some work experience at Pets at Home. I’m also thinking about going back to college.
I also enjoy volunteering at a local charity 2-3 times a week. I have made some friends, and it has been easier to go since making friends. I enjoy helping people. People come in and I have conversations with them so it’s a good place.
At the end of September, I moved into my own flat. I’m so happy to have my own space and no longer have to hide my rabbit and my hamster. It’s good to have freedom. Aberdeen Foyer helped me to find furniture and my key worker still visits me weekly.
My advice to other people in a similar situation would be to not hide away from staff at support services. I did that for the first month and it didn’t go down well. Get involved and take the opportunities that are being offered to you.
