Jemima* turned her challenges at home into an opportunity for independence with the support of EveryYouth’s Future Builders, finding work, training, and a place to call home:
I’m Jemima and I’m 19 years old. Growing up I was interested in performing arts and would attend a lot of theatre classes. My mum and I had a good relationship at the beginning, and she was supportive of my interests, but as I got older and took myself to auditions she became worried about me.
Instead of saying she was worried, she would try to control everything. Living at home and having to ask for permission for basic things was a source of contention for us. It was upsetting and stressful. To be fully independent I needed to move out.
I went to performing arts college but I wasn’t sure if this is what I wanted to do with my future. I was referred to my local EveryYouth charity, 1625 Independent People, and introduced to a jobs coach who helped me discover what I was good at and what my transferrable skills were for other jobs.
I came in with a million ideas of what I could do. I was interested in HR and admin work and there are plans for me to complete work experience at 1625IP. I am attending an HR night class which began in September.
I also wanted to get an SIA badge because I’ve always been told that I would make a good security guard. My jobs coach referred me to the King’s Trust who helped me complete an SIA course. I passed my checks and I will be getting my badge, which is so exciting. It’s a good thing to fall back on, no matter what other jobs I do. My experience with 1625IP has been smooth and the team have been very helpful.
I now work part-time in my weekends and have signed up for an agency that sends me to schools for SEN assistant teaching work during the week.
I moved into a room in supported accommodation, provided through the Future Builders programme, and am getting to know my house mates while also figuring out how to live independently.
My relationship with my mum is improving. She is helping me settle into my new home but it’s better that we are not living together.
I want to travel and see places outside of the UK. I have friends abroad and I hope to visit them soon.
My advice for anyone in a similar situation would be to know that you are not alone. Talk to your friends as much or as little as you need to. Try everything because you’re never going to be this young again.
Find out how we support young people like Jemima with our Future Builders programme.
*Name has been changed.
