Staff and volunteers at the Boultham Park Fair.
Chantelle’s Story
We bumped into one of our ex-residents of LEAP this summer. Our Chief Executive, Heidi Walton, spoke to Chantelle Thomas at the Boultham Park Summer Fair with her little girl, Lilly. After catching up for a while, Heidi asked Chantelle if she would share her unforgettable story about facing homelessness in Lincoln, and she said yes.
Chantelle came to live with LEAP in 2009 at 17 years old. At the time her stepfather was being abusive towards her, Chantelle had to move in with her nan temporarily. However, she couldn’t stay, and her Connexions worker, Lyn Strydom, told her about LEAP.
After Chantelle heard about our accommodation in Lincoln and supportive services, she asked for a referral to be made. Even though Chantelle said “I was really scared when I first moved in” she later realised she needn’t have been. This is because she was greeted by the friendly faces of staff who made her feel welcome. Furthermore, she moved into her new home and “made many friends”. She is still in touch with many of them and considers them “lifelong friends”.
Moving into LEAP
Although Chantelle was not always the perfect resident, she stated that the “staff were very patient with me”. In spite of this, the staff helped Chantelle through a lot of stress and how to deal with it. Specifically in relation to gambling and alcohol. After several months, Chantelle was offered a bedsit with Longhurst, but she had not managed a home before. While that may be true, Chantelle’s Support Worker was able to carry on working with her. For instance, walking Chantelle through things and advising her. LEAP helped her with employment, as well as independent living skills. With this support, Chantelle got a job at a local food store. Even though, it was work, she wasn’t happy and instead gained a Teaching Assistant post at a local primary school.
After LEAP
Chantelle’s stay with LEAP ended in 2012 and for a few years her life drifted and her health declined. Her relationship ended and she moved into temporary accommodation once again. Despite this she picked herself up and was determined to make something of her life. Subsequently, she commenced a BSC in Adult Nursing at the University of Lincoln. But Chantelle failed her placement, so instead she walked away with the next best thing. A degree in Health studies in 2018. During this time, Chantelle lost also lost her mum.
After all that she also started having seizures and was unable to work for some time. Despite this, she remembered what her Support Worker had taught her. Telling herself that she just needed to get on with it and that support is there if needed. Moreover, it was just down to her to take it. It was at this point that she met her current partner, and they now have a wonderful daughter together.
Chantelle Today
LEAP Success stories
Today Chantelle’s life keeps improving. She has set up a Friendship Group on Facebook and currently has over 900 members. She also undertakes voluntary work at the local council, supporting residents in council properties. If they need an advocate to communicate with the council, she helps them with that. Chantelle quoted “Although I have had a hard life, I have come out of the other side, and I am now here to help others. I can honestly say, if it wasn’t for LEAP, I would not have gone and got my degree. Furthermore, if I went back in time, I would go to LEAP again!”
Chantelle’s story is an unforgettable story about facing homelessness in Lincoln, it shows why what we do at LEAP is so important. Check out our Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn for more updates and stories.