After experiencing homelessness, 19-year-old Saskia Lima found the support and stability she needed at Torbay Foyer.
More than a year on, she says the experience has transformed her life and helped her look towards a brighter future.
Our young people’s supported accommodation service provides safe, welcoming and non-judgemental homes where young people can live while receiving support to help them build independence and move forward with their lives.
Our resident, Saskia, said: “Supported Housing is so important. It changed my life, literally changed my life. I can't express it more.
“I love the place. It has its flaws, every place does but I think it's really great here. I love the staff, all of them. And I’ve not got a single bad thing to say about any of them.
“I want to start working again and have my own place. I’m not sure yet what I want to do yet but I’m thinking I would like to go into social work, maybe working with kids or maybe therapy or something like that."
Our young people’s service provides supported accommodation for young people and young parents aged 16 to 25 who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
The service offers a safe, nurturing environment where individuals can live, learn and thrive. The team believes every young person deserves a safe and secure place to call home.
Saskia shared how the support she received at Torbay Foyer helped her rebuild her confidence and make positive changes in her life.
She said: “I was homeless and then I was placed straight into a LiveWest foyer. Since then, I’ve progressed so much. I’ve learnt a lot about myself, how to live on my own, how to deal with things, how to prioritise and how to communicate with people.
“I was in a really bad place, but I’ve had so much support from my support workers. Now, I’m doing so much better.
"I love the staff and I don’t have a single bad thing to say about them. My next goal is to start working again and get my own place.”
Julie Wilcox, Team Manager, Supported Housing Young People, said: "We are incredibly proud of Saskia and the progress she has made during her time at Torbay Foyer.
"She has shown real resilience and determination, building her confidence and independence along the way. It’s been fantastic to see her grow, and we’re excited to see what she achieves next."
Find out more about our young people services here.