Lewis

A challenging childhood

Lewi’s childhood was marked by challenges at home. His mum struggled with mental health issues, while his dad was recovering from drug addiction and dealing with alcohol dependency. These difficult situations took a toll on Lewis’ well-being, affecting both his emotional health and school attendance, leaving him in a vulnerable position.

Seeking help: a turning point with a friend’s family

From the age of 12, Lewis found himself bouncing between living with his mum and dad. He even spent a brief period with his sister around Christmas last year, but by New Year’s, his living situation had reached a breaking point. Desperate for some stability, Lewis found refuge with his friend’s family, staying on their sofa for a few months. Lewis believes this was a turning point in managing his mental health due to the safety and stability provided by his friend’s parents.

The brave step to register as homeless at 16

As soon as Lewis turned 16, he took the brave step to register himself as homeless, which led him to be referred to Rock Trust.

Support from Rock Trust and building a stable future

Since receiving support from Rock Trust, Lewis has moved into temporary accommodation, which has given him the stability he needed. While he remains deeply grateful for his friend’s family, he didn’t want to overstay his welcome. Now, with the help from Rock Trust, Lewis has been able to set up a new Universal Credit claim, manage the paperwork for his accommodation, and begin building a more stable future.

Lewis reflects, appreciating the steady guidance he’s found with Rock Trust:

“It’s good to have the support, and it’s good to talk to someone and not having to make this journey all on my own.” Lewis

Through determination and the right support, Lewis is now on a path towards a brighter future, leaving behind the uncertainty and instability of his early years.