From supported housing to university success

When Emily moved into our supported housing, she was facing homelessness and struggling with her mental health. Alongside managing ADHD, she was trying to continue her training and plan for her future.

Today, she is balancing university studies with work, achieving excellent academic results and looking forward to the future. She says the stability, encouragement and support she received helped her believe in what was possible.

I appreciate things a lot more now and am very grateful for everything I have. And I don’t think I would have got to this point if I didn’t go to YMCA DownsLink Group.

Losing her family home while still in education

As a teenager, Emily experienced difficulties at home but remained focused on her education and worked alongside her studies. She was offered a place at university but chose to defer it while she took a year to explore other possibilities.

She had just started an apprenticeship when she suddenly found herself without a safe place to stay when her family lost their home.

For a short period, she relied on friends while continuing with her training and trying to find somewhere stable to live.

“I would shower at a friend’s house or in public facilities. I tried hard not to let anyone know I was homeless.”

Finding stability at YMCA DownsLink Group

After seeking housing support, Emily worked with local services to find a safe place to live. Within two weeks, she moved into our supported housing.

“When I first came here, I wasn’t in a good place mentally at all. The staff were really supportive and checked in on me while I was processing everything.”

Having somewhere safe to be gave Emily the stability she needed to focus on her wellbeing and manage the challenges she experienced as a young person with ADHD. Alongside practical support, she developed a positive relationship with her support worker. Having someone who encouraged her, checked in regularly and helped her navigate challenges helped Emily rebuild her confidence and begin planning for the future.

Over the following year, Emily focused on improving her wellbeing and building stronger connections with the people around her.

With the support she received, she felt ready to accept the university place she had deferred and secured a scholarship that helped make higher education possible.

“I’m now in a much stronger place. I’m really proud of how far I’ve come and excited to see what’s next.”

Taking the next step

As Emily prepared to move to university, one of our specialist practitioners met with her regularly as she prepared for university, helping her plan and organise things around the challenges of living with ADHD.

Being able to bring her cat, Bingo, with her was particularly important for her wellbeing. Staff helped her arrange the move and ensured they could stay together.

“We were able to get my cat out from where he had been since mum and I were evicted – and sort out all his vet stuff. I wouldn’t have managed to do that on my own.”

University life

Adjusting to university coursework has brought new challenges, particularly having ADHD. Support from a specialist university mentor has helped Emily develop strategies to stay organised and manage her workload.

Emily has successfully completed her first year, achieving excellent academic results. She has also secured a job that fits around university and her work has already been recognised with a promotion into a management position. Socially, she has built strong friendships through work, university and student societies, while maintaining close friendships with people she met during her time in supported housing.

Looking back

Reflecting on her journey, Emily said she did not fully realise how much she was dealing with at the time.

“I don’t really think I was paying attention to how much was happening and how much I was actually dealing with.”

Now, with some distance from those experiences, she can appreciate the support she received and the role it played in helping her move forward.

“I appreciate things a lot more now and am very grateful for everything that I have. And I don’t think I would have got to this point if I didn’t go to YMCA DownsLink Group.”

Looking ahead

Today, Emily is continuing her degree and plans to develop her management experience and explore future career opportunities.

If nothing had changed, I think I would have just drifted along and never pushed myself, never realised what I was capable of. All the challenges I went through have lifted me to a place where I can do things I’m proud of and genuinely enjoy my life.