After a confusing period of time, Liam was made to leave his mum’s house and ended up living in an airport for two months. He became extremely resourceful, saving up the pound coins left in trollies so he had money to buy food. Eventually, Liam was given a home in our supported accommodation and began to rebuild a stable life. Liam tells us his story in his own words:
I’m 19 and I’ve been living in this YMCA for about 6 months.
After losing my job due to a miscommunication, my mum kicked me out three times. Each time it happened I went to the council and they called my mum; she told them that she hadn’t asked me to leave and that I was lying. I would literally be stood there with a bag full of all my belongings because earlier that day she had told me to pack everything up and not come back. It was humiliating.
The final time she told me to leave, I said that she had to get the police to come and officially report that she wanted me to go. I told her she had to write it down and sign it so that the council couldn’t argue with it. She wrote it all down, it took her a few minutes and then I left.
There was a two month wait before I could get somewhere safe and stable to live. For those two months I lived in the airport. I felt quite smart because everyone sleeps in the airport before their flights, so I just joined them. I’d brush my teeth in the toilets and they have showers I could use as well. I made friends with some of the shop staff who would give me old sandwiches and food. I also used to help collect up the trolleys so I could collect the pound or euro out of each one and save up to buy something in the airport. Once I collected 30 euros in a whole day – it was great! I didn’t really mind, it was ok for me.
Eventually, after a couple of months living in the airport, I was moved into YMCA supported accommodation. The transition to living here was quite good for me. I already cooked and cleaned for myself. It was just so nice to finally have my own room.
I have a new job which I’ll be starting soon. I’ll be cleaning aircraft full time, starting at 6am each day. I got this new job by myself. I guess I’m quite independent, I’m more of a me-person. I’ve been working since I was 12. I used to work with my stepdad and his uncle in removals. I quite liked doing that.
I’ve always worked as much overtime as I can to get as much money as possible, doing back to back shifts and things like that. I’m also good at budgeting. I’m looking forward to starting work and getting paid so I don’t have to budget quite as much.
My relationship with my mum is ok now. She tries to talk to me more, but I don’t think I want that. I only go over to her house for my siblings’ birthdays now.
I think there’s a really good balance between support and independence here at YMCA. It’s not as bad as people think, it’s actually pretty chilled. I like it.
