“Before I joined Wayside, I’d lost my peace within myself. I’ve now found that again.”
After leaving the foster care system, I wasn’t sure what the future held for me. I left care at the age of 20 with no stable accommodation to go to and eventually found myself sofa surfing. I was really anxious at that time. Everything felt so uncertain. It’s only when you have a home and it’s taken away that you realise how essential it is to do anything really.
Thankfully I was still getting some emotional support from my care leaver worker, and they helped to direct me to Wayside. I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to stay here.
I was so unsure when I joined, I didn’t know what to expect but everyone was so kind and welcoming. The staff have been a massive support, and it’s shown me that there are people who do want to be in your life, and want to help you.
When I was in foster care, there was always an end goal on everything. It was like I was always waiting to be moved on into another temporary place but being at Wayside feels different. Whilst the goal is for me to ultimately be independent, we all move forwards at different rates, and they respect that here.
Before I joined Wayside, I’d lost my peace within myself. I’ve now found that again. I’ve joined the Bible study they hold here every Tuesday, and I’m around wonderful people who are great reflections of what you should be like. It’s inspiring.
I’m excited for my future now. I’ve been researching jobs and apprenticeships in interior design and architecture as that’s something I’m thinking of going into. I’m also passionate about animals too and the natural world so that’s another avenue I’d like to explore.
My ultimate goal is to get my own place, and my independence and feel I can rely on myself and know myself better. I finally feel like I’m on the right track to achieving this. I can’t thank Wayside enough.
Sometimes I think it’s good to trust that life has a direction for us, and I remember how privileged I really am.
*name changed