"I've got my own space to explore things and find myself": Nicola's story

Nicola found space to relax and focus on her education thanks to support from Dundee Youth Housing and Turner and Townsend's Education Fund.

Nicola grew up with a difficult home life, which was overwhelming. Without her own space to focus on her studies or relaxing, she began to feel upset and isolated.

Now 17, she lives with support from our Dundee Youth Housing service.

A space of her own

I wasn't the same person at home as I was at school or with friends. I couldn't show my own personality.
Nicola

Nicola was referred to the Dundee Youth Housing service by her school when she mentioned that her turbulent home life left her feeling depressed, and causing her to lose focus on her education.

The service, which offers support to young people aged 16-22, provided Nicola with a temporary flat and guidance to live independently.

I felt nervous moving in because I was worried about feeling lonely and leaving my family, but Action for Children have been really supportive.
Nicola

The service helped her to settle in with weekly sessions about budgeting, shopping, cooking, cleaning and anything else that was bothering her.

Nicola gained the stability to thrive in school and in life. She soon began to feel more confident in herself and her relationship with her family improved.

An older woman and younger woman looking at the camera, the older woman has grey hair and a patterned shirt and the younger woman has black hair and black clothing

Focusing on education with Turner and Townsend

Nicola's school uniform was too small, worn out, and discoloured. Despite receiving Universal Credit, she didn't have the funds to replace it - due to the cost of living crisis, she must budget carefully.

Action for Children made Nicola aware of the Turner and Townsend Education Fund.

The fund helped Nicola to purchase a new uniform and, as School Captain, looking smart and presentable helped her to be an example to younger students.

She was also able to use the funding to purchase some new stationery to help with studying for exams, freeing up some of her own budget to help make her flat feel like a home.

The Education Fund helped me to feel uplifted, confident, and comfortable going to school. Thank you to Turner and Townsend for making children like me feel happier!
Nicola, on the Education Fund

Young woman in urban setting wearing black shirt

Looking forward, Nicola would like to go to college to study Fashion Business, followed by a degree in Business or Marketing. One day, she wants to own her own clothing shop.

The support she received from Action for Children and Turner and Townsend helped to put her on the right track to follow her dreams.

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