HomelessnessThere’s more and more people becoming homeless everyday, weather people are sleeping on the streets or in doorways or on friend’s sofas.
I was homeless at the age of 17. Being young and homeless wasn’t nice at all.
I was ashamed of the situation I was in, and everywhere I turnt, it felt like I wasn’t getting any help.
For a week or two, my home was a slide in a park.
No one knew the depth of my problem.
I learnt to hold things inside as I felt I dint have anyone to turn to.
Living on the streets is not safe, especially for females.
You meet people tat you might not necessarily want come in contact with and u can end up doing things you wouldn’t normally do.
If you feel like you have nothing to live for and the people are feeling that way, then that’s what your life becomes, dangerous.
You can turn to drugs, alcohol or even crime.
Me personally, I feel I was lucky.
I’ve done things that I’m not proud of, but haven’t we all!
I’ve never turnt to drugs or been in trouble with the police.
I’ve struggled a lot with my health.
I’m 24 and have had 2 strokes, of which I now suffer from (suspected) epilepsy.
These were apparently caused by stress.
Not having somewhere to call home takes its effects on people differently, especially young people.
There are hostels out there that you can go to, but when these are full, where are you meant to turn.
The council tries to palm you off on your friends and at the age of 17, I was actually advised to go, get pregnant and to go back to them because then they could help me!
I have always tried to be a strong person, so I didn’t take this advice, but what about the rest of the young, vulnerable people that are in the same position!
I am now turning my life around with the help of the YMCA.
I have been on a youth work course with the prince’s trust doing a level 1 in youth work. Through this I have become an ambassador for the prince’s trust. I volunteer at a hostel and also at a youth club.
The future Natasha Taylor is going to be an encourager of young people.
I WILL get young peoples voices heard and
I WILL be making a difference,
so remember my face and
remember my name….
Natasha Taylor.
Thank-you.
A young woman I worked with and it was my pleasure
I learned a lot.
She gives permission - bless her - a talent beautiful human.
