This year, Leah will be coorieing in by the tree with her partner, in the new home they’ve made together.

Leah was one of the first young people to benefit from our Live and Work programme in West Lothian. Since then, she has thrived both professionally and personally, managing to secure a mortgage and move on to her own home.

Live and Work

In 2023 we partnered with Almond Housing Association to repurpose an out of use care home that was sitting empty. We turned the property into two shared flats, where young people at risk of homelessness could pay highly affordable rents that would allow them to pursue their education and employment goals. Whilst living in the property young people access personalised support, increasing their employability skills so they can build better futures.

Leah’s story

When Leah was 16, she began working at a local restaurant, but her parents weren’t supportive of the choice. Their relationship was already strained, but when Leah refused to give up her new job, her parents started to refuse to let her back into the house after late shifts. Leah didn’t want to give up her job and claim benefits, so she often found herself wandering the streets until the morning or camping out at a friend’s. When it finally became too much for her, she presented to the council as homeless and was referred to us for support.

After moving into one of flats as part of our Live and Work programme, Leah quickly made friends and set her sights on advancing her career and saving money. Paying affordable rent made it possible for her to sustain her job. She could be independent but still be supported, and she could start thinking about the future.

“There was never a time when I felt alone, and I could always turn to them to rant or talk or bounce problems off and I always felt listened to. I didn’t think I would be where I am now, I feel like I am living the life” Leah

In the spring of 2024, Leah was promoted to a management position at the restaurant where she worked. A few months later she and her boyfriend were approved for a mortgage on a flat.

It’s here in her new home that Leah will coorie in this Christmas, and it’s thanks to supporters like you.

You can help more young people like Leah coorie in this Christmas.