Amy's journey with Simon Community began when she was just 18 years old, where she transitioned to our Housing First for Youth service following four challenging years in a hospital for young people with significant mental health issues. The move from the hospital to independent living was daunting, Amy described her time in the hospital as "really hard and sometimes quite lonely," but she knew the support she received there was essential for her progress.
At Simon Community, the Housing First for Youth programme was established to support young people like Amy, who are leaving care and at high risk of homelessness. These young individuals often face limited family support, unstable housing, and trauma from their pasts. The programme provides them with their own home and essential 24/7 community-based support.
Amy reflects on her experience, saying, "The Housing First for Youth Team made me feel safe, moving from the hospital and into my own home." The stability of having a home and the support of the Simon Community team were crucial in helping Amy rebuild her confidence and step out of her comfort zone.
Before joining the programme, Amy struggled with social anxiety and often isolated herself. The dedicated team at Simon Community worked closely with her, gradually helping her to engage in activities and build her self-assurance. "Simon Community helped me so much with my confidence; they took me out to do activities - we did things I never would have done before," Amy shared.
Today, Amy's outlook is filled with hope. She is planning to move to England to be with her family and is eager to return to college to study beauty therapy. Reflecting on her journey, Amy advises other young people, "Since joining Simon Community’s Housing First for Youth service, I have grown a lot. I would tell other young people not to be ashamed of their past because everything happens for a reason. Everyone has a story... their own story to tell."
For over 50 years, Simon Community has been working tirelessly with people experiencing homelessness across Northern Ireland. However, the need for their services is greater than ever, with more people like Amy in need of a safe place to stay. A secure home enables individuals to focus on their mental and physical wellbeing, overcoming past challenges to build bright and hopeful futures.
Your support has already made a significant difference to those experiencing homelessness. Please consider giving a gift today. Just £30 could help us provide vital support to someone with no home of their own.
Together, we can help more people like Amy find safety, stability, and a promising future.
Hear Amy share her story in her own words below.