Rita’s Story
When Rita* became homeless during the pandemic, she was put up in a hotel before being referred to Your Place. Here, she shares her experience since arriving and her hopes for the future.
I’m a quiet person and I found it difficult getting used to how things were and being around lots of people. I kept to myself a lot. My mood was not good, I was sick – my back, my hands – and I had depression. But with help, I’m feeling better, my mood is much better and I’m not as isolated. Now I speak to other people more, and meet with Elif a lot. Because of my bad back, I can’t always move around too much, so it’s helpful having support right here when I need it. Including budgeting help and having health checks here. I feel at home now.
Elif is my keyworker but she is like a best friend and a sister – she cares a lot. I can go to her for help and she gets in touch to make sure I’m okay too. I can find it hard to remember all of my medical appointments so she helps by reminding me, sees how I’m getting on with my medication and how things are going at college.
"Elif is my keyworker but she is like a best friend and a sister – she cares a lot. I can go to her for help and she gets in touch to make sure I’m okay too."
I’ve had support to go to college and have been studying hair and beauty. It wasn’t something I had done before but I really like doing it. I’ve moved onto the next level college course now, and would love to get a job working with hair. I really enjoy choosing a style that suits a person’s face.
It’s so nice to have my own room and space. I don’t have a lot of personal belongings now, but I have some photographs of my friends and family that are important to me. And my phone, which has photos and I can keep in touch with people. But I like looking around the shops, things I can’t buy but enjoy looking at – the beautiful fabrics and clothes.
Your Place have helped me to get the support I need. I am feeling better and ready to move on. I don’t need a lot, but I look forward to starting to get some of my own belongings in my own home and a fresh start.
*The resident asked us to change their name.
