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ESPC NEWS
A helping hand Laura’s story: Overcoming homelessness and low self-esteem

Laura grew up in a dysfunctional family cope and am emotionally stronger. I have a
How ESPC’s charity partner, Rock Trust, is supporting young people environment, characterised by neglect and renewed sense of hope and determination, I
experiencing homelessness in your local area. substance abuse. She faced emotional and can finally see my own worth and believe in
physical abuse, leading to Laura’s low self- my potential.”
esteem and developing anorexia nervosa
SPC is proudly supporting youth From the age of 12, Lewis found himself during her adolescence, which she hid from her With the stability provided by Rock Trust,
homelessness charity Rock Trust as its bouncing between living with his mum and his family and peers. On turning 17, Laura’s home Laura could focus on her physical and mental
Echarity partner into 2025. As we work dad. He even spent a brief period with his sister situation became unbearable, prompting her health, gaining weight and rebuilding her
to raise awareness and funds, we wanted to around Christmas 2023, but by New Year’s, his to leave. With limited resources and support, self-esteem. She also accessed educational
share with our readers some real-life stories of living situation had reached breaking point. she found herself on the streets. Navigating opportunities, empowering her to envision
how the organisation is helping young people Desperate for stability, Lewis found refuge with the challenges of homelessness exacerbated a brighter future beyond homelessness and
to get out of the horrors of homelessness and his friend’s family, sleeping on their sofa for a few her condition, making it increasingly difficult her eating disorder. The impact on Laura’s
step into a more stable future. months. Lewis believes this was a turning point for her to prioritise her health. life has been profound, and despite ongoing
in managing his mental health, due to the safety challenges, she continues to persevere,
and security provided by his friend’s parents. Laura was referred to Rock Trust by a embracing the journey of self-discovery and
local Child and Adolescent Mental Health healing with courage and resilience.
As soon as he turned 16, Lewis took the brave Service, where the team provided
step of registering himself homeless with Fife immediate help, including access to
Council, which led him to be referred to Rock housing support, food and medical
Trust. assistance.

Since receiving support from Rock Trust, Lewis Since becoming involved with Rock
has moved into temporary accommodation, Trust, Laura has made significant
which has given him the stability he needed. progress. She received intensive
While he remains deeply grateful for his friend’s housing support, and lives in a
family, he didn’t want to overstay his welcome. permanent tenancy house. She
Now, with the help of Rock Trust, Lewis has continues to receive specialised
Lewis’ story: been able to set up a new Universal Credit claim, treatment for her anorexia nervosa,
manage the paperwork for his accommodation,
including therapy and nutritional
and begin building a more secure future. support.
Finding stability and support with Rock Trust
“It’s good to have the support, and it’s good to “I finally feel a sense of belonging
Lewis’ childhood was marked by challenges talk to someone, not having to make this journey and support that I never had
at home. His mum struggled with mental all on my own,” Lewis reflects, appreciating the before,” Laura shares. “Through
health issues, while his dad was recovering steady guidance he’s found with Rock Trust. therapy and the help I’ve received,
from drug addiction and dealing with alcohol I’ve learned healthier ways to
dependency. These difficult situations took Through determination and the right support,
a toll on Lewis’ wellbeing, affecting both his Lewis is now on a path toward a brighter future,
emotional health and his school attendance, leaving behind the uncertainty and instability of
leaving him in a vulnerable position. his early years. If you’d like to find out more about Rock Trust, or make a donation in 2025, visit rocktrust.org.

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