Joe shares how he rebuilt his life through EveryYouth Employed, finding hope, purpose, and the skills to build a brighter future:
At 22 I faced significant challenges with my mental health and addiction. These difficulties led to me becoming homeless, and I was referred to my local EveryYouth charity, the Amber Foundation in Kent, for support.
I spent just over a year in their supported accommodation, called Downsview, where I worked extremely hard to overcome the struggles and barriers I faced. I received support from EveryYouth Employed which helped me to successfully complete all assessments and a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for professional drivers of heavy goods vehicles, buses, and coaches in the UK.
I also had the opportunity to complete work experience with Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Ltd in London. This experience allowed me to spend time with the staff at TPI and gain a valuable insight into their work and services. Turner Pope Investments is a boutique stockbroker, providing investment services to corporate and high net worth private clients.
I’ve now embarked on training to become a Royal Marine Commando. I’m focusing on completing my training for the Marines. In five years time I aim to become part of the UK Special Forces (UKSF).
If it wasn’t for Amber and the support from EveryYouth Employed, I would probably be dead or in prison. It has had a huge impact on my life moving forward positively, and I am looking forward to my bright future.
Since leaving Amber, I feel relaxed and motivated to work. The support helped me put pieces of me back together again. I have an endless amount of respect and love for all the staff as without the support they gave me, I would be lost and still looking for a purpose in life. I have been drug free for over a year now and I’m enjoying life.
One of the most beneficial things I’ve learned at Downsview was the importance of routine in the house and the volunteering I did in the community. These experiences have helped me build valuable lifelong skills that I feel will benefit me greatly in future.
I learned that working together and understanding that everyone comes from a different branch of life doesn’t mean you should judge them, but to support one another, as well as inspire each other to do better and be better than who they were yesterday.
I have treasured being part of such a supportive community of people, going ice skating and watching all the staff fall over (including me!) was the best. I had never been ice skating before. Playing rounders together in the sun are just some of the memories I will carry with me forever.
Find out how we support young people like Joe with our EveryYouth Employed programme.
