Sheridan contacted Youth Futures just before Christmas last year in need of accommodation. With a vacancy in one of our shared units available, we were able to assist Sheridan with support and had her moved into her new home before Christmas.
At just 18, and with complex mental health concerns, Sheridan found herself couch surfing with friends for a number of weeks after relationships with her family broke down and she was left to support herself.
“Before being accommodated into TAP, I was in a rough stage of my life where I felt unsupported and unsure of where I was heading. Luckily, I was able to be accommodated into TAP quickly and right before Christmas. TAP put a lot of effort in to ensure I was feeling happy over the Christmas period. I am extremely grateful for the support I received from the workers and the delightful Christmas hamper that came along with it to let me know I had a safe and supportive place to stay.”
For Sheridan who had not been in a supportive environment for a long time she was overwhelmed by the support on offer by Youth Futures Youth Support Workers, who not only made sure she was settled into her home and had the essentials she needed. They were also on the end of the phone in case Sheridan needed support or guidance.
In the weeks after settling in to her new home the support workers were able to enrolled Sheridan with a counsellor to help her overcome and manage her anxiety. She sees the counsellor regularly and today feels stronger and more resilient to manage day to day life.
A year later and Sheridan has been maintaining steady work whilst attending ECU studying Media and Communications and plans to move into private rental in the New Year.
UDIA is supporting Youth Future this Christmas. UDIA members can text CHEER to 0437 371 371 today and donate $70 to support a young person this Christmas.