Amy Timmins*
I had been foster care since I was 12, and had troubled relationships with my foster parents. I was getting attacked and abused by my foster parent’s children. We had a lot of arguments and I got kicked out. I was sofa surfing for 6 months and I lost all my belongings. I lived in a hostel for a short while, and with various family members.
Up until about 6 months ago, I was living in a 6 bedroomed house, with 5 guys and just me. The first couple of weeks were ok, but after that my bedroom was broken into, I was having threats of rape, held by knifepoint, attacked. The police were always getting involved, I couldn’t leave my house or room, I locked myself in the room 24 hours a day. I felt that the only way I could get out of the situation was to make myself homeless.
I went to another homeless charity, who couldn’t help me, so I had to spend a few nights on the street, slept in a park, walked about for hours, slept on a mates sofa. All my clothes got chucked away, all my belongings gone.
My sister found the name for Solace, I came for an interview and came in the same day. I found everyone really welcoming and helpful, I felt like I was in good hands and I felt like I was safe. I started to talk to people and get along with others, and haven’t had any problems or issues. I’ve had a lot of one to one sessions with staff members and I’ve found them really helpful and supportive. They have come with me to meetings I’ve needed to attend, and without them I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I so far have.
In the future, I want to go to college, and university. I want to open two businesses, beauty and public services. Once I have myself up and running, I think I can achieve these things. I want to travel the world, meet new people and see different religions and cultures. With the help of Solace, now I have a chance to achieve these hopes and aspirations. I can now see there is light at the end of the tunnel.
*name has been changed to protect identity