Maisie became street homeless at 17.

She was living in a young person’s foyer, but was evicted because of her anger issues. Her relationship with her parents was strained to the point that they did not want her to live with them.

She said that this was a huge wake up call for her. She wanted to use the support at her new hostel to turn her life around. Since moving in there has been a big change in Maisie. She has met with mental health support to get help with her anxiety and depression.

Maisie was looking forward to her new job, but was apprehensive about coping at work after taking time off for her anxiety and depression.

As Maisie had been street homeless, she had lost most of her belongings, including nearly all of her clothing. This had a negative impact on her already low self-esteem. She was worried she would ruin what little clothing she had left at her new cleaning role. She was also paranoid about what people would think of her.

Church Housing Trust was able to provide Maisie with a grant for a mixture of smart and hard-wearing clothes. Having new clothing increased her self-esteem dramatically and she started her job in a very positive frame of mind. The funding increased her confidence in her work. Her support worker said how important it was to her well-being and mental health.

Maisie worked hard, but sadly was made redundant. In the face of this and other challenges, she continues to increase in confidence. She is learning how to budget, developing deeper social skills, and taking responsibility for her life.

She is in a happy personal relationship, and has reconnected with her parents and sees them both regularly. Her social anxiety has lessened and she is in a much calmer, more peaceful place.

Recently she started a new job and has been offered a full time Contract. She is enjoying it and can see a future there. Next she wants to look at leaving the hostel and finding a home of her own.

If Maisie continues to increase her self-confidence and hope for the future, she can achieve anything she sets her mind and heart on.