Jacob* explains how EveryYouth’s Future Builders programme gave him the freedom to focus on his computer science studies as he pursues a career in cyber security:

My name is Jacob. When I was 17 I had to leave my home country because there was no peace and my family was in trouble. I arrived in London and then was transferred to Scotland and a social worker put me in touch with a foster family.  

I stayed with that family for one year and then moved in with another foster family. I had a good experience with this family and I’m still grateful for all the help they gave me. We still keep in touch today. But I was studying music and needed to make my own music, and this disturbed the family. It was getting awkward and they suggested that it was time I moved out. That’s when I found out about my local EveryYouth charity, the Rock Trust. 

I would have experienced homelessness if the Rock Trust hadn’t been there to help me. I had a meeting with charity’s property and facility coordinator, who told me about a house in Perth where I could live. We went and viewed the home and then I moved in. It was supported living services provided under EveryYouth’s Future Builders programme. 

I moved in August 2023. It was great.

“Because of the affordable rent, it gave me the freedom to focus on my studies while working part-time at a nearby petrol station.”

I studied sound production and I’m now studying computer science. I’m in my third and final year and will be finishing in early June. I’m looking for an apprenticeship and then hope to get a job in cyber security – that’s my plan from now. 

At the Future Builders house I also learnt how to cook – I learnt a lot of stuff to cook. I was also really struggling financially but thanks to budgeting advice I’m alright now.  

I’m really thankful for the Rock Trust, they have helped me so much.  

Find out more about our Future Builders programme.

*Name has been changed.