After leaving foster care, Harry* shares his journey of becoming employable and improving his physical health:

I had been in foster care for nearly four years. Once I turned 18 social services decided to move me on so my foster family could house another young person. Neither I or my foster family wanted the move to happen and I became very frustrated and unhappy.

I found my local EveryYouth charity, The Benjamin Foundation, in East Anglia and moved into supported accommodation.

The first few months were miserable and I didn’t like anyone to begin with. It took several months before I began to get along with my support workers and other young people on site.

“I want to have a skill that I can use in the future so I’m open to explore the opportunities.”

After starting to settle and find my feet, I was introduced to a job coach who tried to identify how I could improve my employability so I could progress while being supported at The Benjamin Foundation. 

Because of my autism and struggle with classroom-based learning, I agreed to try online education. With the support of the EveryYouth Employed, I was able to access a platform that helped me take multiple short courses, boost my CV and learn new skills. I have now completed multiple courses and feel much more positive about my ability to learn.  

I have also focussed on improving my physical health by going to the gym and eating healthier. I have lost more than six stone in a year as a result. The gym is a great way for me to stay focused and channel my energy into something that benefits me. 

The Benjamin Foundation is working with me to find a face-to-face course at college as my confidence and attitude improves significantly. I want to have a skill that I can use in the future so I’m open to explore the opportunities at college that can help me achieve this.  

I am looking forward to living by myself and the chance to get a pet. I feel a lot better day to day, make sure I get out of the house, and keep myself busy, which I never used to do.  

I am looking forward to being able to have my own place and more privacy, although I have grown to like where I am with the people who have helped me. 

To find out more about our EveryYouth Employed programme click here.

*Name has been changed for privacy reasons.