James's story

James was living with his Mum and Stepdad until he was 17, when the relationship with his Stepdad became too difficult to tolerate. James was an apprentice plumber under his Stepdad, who would often get angry with him and one day he hit James across the face. The breakdown in their relationship also made his Stepdad act violently towards James's mother so he felt he had to leave home and give up his apprenticeship.

James went to stay with his uncle in London, although he could only stay a few months, after which he returned to the North East and moved in with his Gran. Unfortunately James's Gran became ill and could no longer look after him so he was forced to move again. After moving from pillar to post constantly, he had finally run out of options and spent a long period of time staying on sofas at his mates houses.

At this stage James was receiving support around education/housing and employment from a Barnardo's project who referred him to Nightstop North East, run by Depaul UK.

James stayed with Nightstop for 10 days during which time he was supported to make a homeless application to the local authority and to apply to a Depaul UK supported accommodation project. James was accepted for a Supported Lodgings Scheme and then he moved on to and settled in a supported accommodation project.  He would like to join the army where he hopes to be a chef.

*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.