Alison's story

Alison's parents were unable and unwilling to take care of Alison and she lived with her grandparents in the North East of England for most of her young life. At the age of just 16, she was made homeless when she was asked to leave her grandparents' home.  She spent a long time staying in friends’ houses and different hostels, having to move on constantly. Unfortunately, Alison had a difficult time in many of these hostels, she was shy and nervous and found it hard to settle anywhere.  Some places made her feel scared as people were violent and were using drugs. She eventually fled, hoping to find a better solution.  She met someone who talked to her about Nightstop and who put her in contact with someone who could give her more information.  She was referred to Nightstop North East and was accepted.  She was provided with a safe place to stay in the home of local volunteers for three nights, whilst Nightstop staff helped her to access the benefits to which she was entitled.

After discussing her housing options and talking about her experiences in the past, Nightstop staff managed to find her a place in a hostel more suitable to her needs and her situation. She moved into Simonside, a hostel run by Depaul UK in Newcastle.

She is now hoping to get into full time employment, and is being helped to look for volunteer and training opppurtunties to help her succed.

*All images used are of young people Depaul UK has worked with.  The young people pictured are not the subject of the case study stories.