Connor explains how he went from the brink of homelessness to home ownership in just two years, thanks to EveryYouth’s Future Builders programme:

I’m Connor and I’m 25 years old. I moved in with my grandparents after an argument escalated with my mum’s new boyfriend, who I didn’t get along with. It really affected my mental health. I wouldn’t say I was exactly homeless, but I was close. I was damn near close, but I’ve always had my grandparents. 

My grandparents found out about my local youth homelessness charity, The Benjamin Foundation, and I moved into supported accommodation there. It was provided under EveryYouth’s Future Builders programme, which offers young people who are working or studying a place to live at an affordable rent. During that time staff helped me with employment, budgeting, paying bills, cooking and learning how to live with others – it was life changing and the reality check I needed.  

I felt like I was getting an idea of what it was like to live alone and be independent, but at a monthly rent that I could afford. For me, it really worked. I was independent. I didn’t have any restrictions. But I knew if I had something that came up and I needed support, let’s say my car insurance, I could ask for help. 

“I was getting an idea of what it was like to live alone and be independent, but at a monthly rent that I could afford. For me, it really worked.”

Staff helped me to get a job. They had a list of jobs in the local area and had a meeting once a week with me to make sure I was doing all right. They set me goals to try and hit. For example, one of mine was to eat more vegetables. I’m a typical guy and would just eat pizza and takeaways. I was always reluctant to cook, so it was the first time I bought my own groceries for the week. 

Budgeting advice provided by staff at the Future Builders accommodation made me think about my future. I was on an 18-hour contract but I learnt to save a little money each week, and could do so because of the affordable rent. I always had enough for my groceries, petrol and phone bill, for example, with a little left over.  

The whole process made me really understand how my money works. Before that, I was absolutely useless. I’d spend all my wages in one week and not think about the next week. 

Growing up my family tried to teach me about my finances but, being autistic, and not even being diagnosed as autistic at that point, everyone gave up talking to me about numbers. It was helpful to receive a diagnosis in my early 20s just before I moved into supported accommodation, so people could understand me better. 

After about 18 months I had to move out of the Future Builders accommodation to make room for others on the waiting list. I came back to my grandparents but this time, with a lot more experience. Because I had demonstrated that I could manage my money and I had secured a full-time job, my grandparents gave me my inheritance early. This meant I could buy my first flat – a two minute walk from the Norfolk coast and only 15 minutes from work. 

I’m used to moving around but getting my own place was nerve wracking. I was nervous but excited. I’m already planning a moving-in party! Just having that freedom and independence is what I’m looking forward to more than anything else because I’ve never really had that. I’ve always been relying on other people. 

I’m now saving money every week, compared to four years ago when I wasn’t saving a dime. Heck, I’ve even got a gym membership. I’m hoping to save up enough money to go on holiday in Cypress.  

“I’m now saving money every week, compared to four years ago when I wasn’t saving a dime. I’ve even got a gym membership.”

It’s all about having the right mindset. If you’re willing to have the right mindset then you’re going to do really well. If you don’t have the right mindset and you’re not willing to put any effort in, you’re not going to help yourself. 

I see headlines about how young people are struggling to manage their finances once they move into their own place, and I get it. It would be great if EveryYouth’s Future Builders was available to every young person who needed help transitioning from living at home to on their own. 

Getting support has changed my life. I’m now a first-time buyer. Yes, it’s because I’ve got grandparents who can financially support me, but Future Builders gave me the foundation and life experience which I needed. 

Connor’s support was funded by the B&Q Foundation. Connor’s image was created by visual designer Rebecca Bokenham (@onlybokey) with consent from Connor, in lieu of using his real image.

Find out how we support young people like Connor through our Future Builders programme.