Here, Kiera* writes about her journey to living independently with the help of EveryYouth’s Housing Fund and the EveryYouth Network:

My name is Kiera and I’m 24 years old. I moved into EveryYouth’s charity The Benjamin Foundation when I was 19. When I moved in I had been living with my family; our home was overcrowded, and relationships were strained between me and my parents so my dad helped me go to the council to see if they could help.

“I feel really happy with my new flat”

There was a place available for me at The Benjamin Foundation, and I lived there for 4 years. While I was there, staff helped and supported me to learn everyday living tasks and helped me get the benefits I needed. They encouraged me to try new things like a Moonpig’s Christmas Card campaign and helped me gain confidence in myself. They also helped me with my mental health.

When I felt I was ready to move on, I went into the local housing office and was given a new flat in the Yarmouth area which I moved into in July 2023. I was referred to The Benjamin Foundation’s Tenancy Transition Service where Erica, my Tenancy Transition Worker helped me set up all my bills and showed me how things worked in my new flat. As this was a new build with solar panels, it took some time to figure out how things worked. I managed to make my new flat feel homely and my relationship with my parents has improved and they have been a great support with getting items in my flat and visit me regularly with my siblings.

I have started volunteering at the local charity shop where I have learnt till work and customer service, I do this once a week.

I have completed the Princes’ Trust Teamwork course and a small business course. I love to make necklace and bracelets in my spare time. I’m currently doing an Enterprise course where I can I set up a stall at local craft fairs to sell my products. I go to adult learning workshops where I’ve completed a cookery course.

“My confidence grows all the time”

I feel really happy with my new flat and managing my money, I love buying things for my flat. My mental health has really improved, and my confidence grows all the time. The Tenancy Transition Service has been really good to help support me especially in a cost-of-living crisis when every little helps. Erica has helped me set up cheaper ways to live and I know I can call on Erica if I have any worries or letters that come in and she helps explains these to me. I would struggle if it wasn’t for Erica’s help. Thank you.

In the future I would love to start my own business one day doing what I love with my beads.

To find out more about our Housing Fund click here.

*name has been changed to protect their identity