I felt like I was at a standstill
A young person supported by MACS shares how he went from isolation, grief and uncertainty to having his own home, routine and a future. His story highlights the reality of youth homelessness, the importance of early support, and the difference the right help can make.
Before I got support, I wasn’t in a good place. I was living at home with my mum, struggling with my mental health and isolating myself most days.
I wasn’t seeing friends or getting out much. My sleep was all over the place and I didn’t have any structure or routine. I just stayed in my room, day in, day out. It felt like I wasn’t going anywhere.
I’d already been waiting years to get my own place, and it felt like nothing was ever going to change. I remember thinking there was no support out there for someone like me.
Things became even more difficult when my brother passed away, and not long after, my mum became seriously ill. I didn’t want to put more pressure on my family, so I kept everything to myself and tried to deal with it alone.
Looking back, I know I wasn’t coping.
Eventually, I was put in touch with MACS and started getting support from my support worker, Erin.
At first, it was small things. Getting out for a coffee, going to appointments, and starting to deal with my housing situation. But over time, those small steps started to build my confidence.
I began to open up more, get out of the house, and take steps towards getting my own place. With support, I was able to build up my housing points and eventually move into my own flat.
That was a real turning point for me.
Even though I was still dealing with everything going on in my life, having my own place gave me stability and a push to start moving forward.
Erin supported me with everything along the way. From helping me get furniture and sort things in my flat, to reassuring me when I felt stressed or overwhelmed. She went above and beyond, and I don’t know what I would have done without that support.
At the same time, I was stepping up for my younger brother. He’s only 11, and he’s been through a lot in a short space of time.
I’ve started having him stay with me during the week, and I’m working towards having him with me full time. I want to give him stability and make sure he doesn’t go down the wrong path. I know how easily that can happen.
I’d rather go through hardship than see him go through that.
My life looks very different now. I have a routine. I get up, go out, spend time with my family, take care of my dog, and go to the gym.
Things aren’t perfect, but I’m in a much better place than I was.
The best thing I ever did was engage.
If I could say one thing to anyone going through something similar, it would be this:
Just keep reaching out, even when you don’t feel like it.
Speaking to one person can have a domino effect. It can lead to something good.
Take every bit of support you can get.
Nothing lasts forever, and things can change.
MACS supports young people across Northern Ireland to find stability, build confidence and move forward.
Image Credit: Centre for Homelessness Impact / Amy Ryall