Wills News
Wills story: Meet Will! Will is 21 years old and has lived at LEAP for just under 2 years. We were keen to speak to him as he had some exciting news to share.
“Despite the rushed approach to applying for university back in April 2021, I have been accepted for a Performing Arts Degree at University of Lincoln.”
Will is still cautious in accepting this news as he said: “I am just waiting to hear about a bursary. If the bursary does not come through, I still have a plan B. I would access a Kickstarter Programme at Abbey Access Training and re-apply next year. At least I now know what I need to do to apply.”
What a great attitude to have! But still, all staff at LEAP are so proud of Will and how far he has come. When Will first approached LEAP for accommodation with support, his circumstances were ‘quite messy’ (as defined by Will himself).
About Wills Story
“My mum and dad split up when I was about 3 or 4 years old. Despite living with my mum, I have a good relationship with my dad. As I got older, the relationship with my mum became very strained. My mum knew how to press my buttons and at times it became physical with a push or a clip behind the ear. I would speak to my friends and their parents soon realising that this was not a healthy relationship to be in. Truth be told, it did start bringing out the worst in me.”
Will expressed he feels shame about some of his behaviour at that time. He decided to leave his parental home, staying with a friend for a few nights. He had hoped that time would help to calm things down enough to discuss things, however he was not let back into the house not even to pick up some clothes.
“A friend told me about LEAP so I rang up to ask for help as I was no longer able to stay sofa-surfing at a friends and was hours away from ending up on the streets. They only had a small room available at Francis Street, which was not ideal but much better than being homeless on the street.”
With the support of his Housing Officer, Will gradually got on the right path, but it was not a straight journey.
“Just as I felt a little more settled, my mental health deteriorated. I was asking myself why am I here. Despite being supported, I had allowed myself to fall behind on my rent. I struggled to get on with other residents. It was a really dark time for me.”
Wills Improvement
Will was moved to Barlow House where he felt more settled and his mental health improved. As well as his Housing Officer, Will felt more at ease to speak to his house mates which really supported him at the time when the lockdown hit.
It was first in April 2021 when Will expressed a desire to go to university, but did not think there to be enough time to apply this year. His Housing Officer encouraged Will to make applying this year his Plan A, and low and behold his application was successful.
“I am excited though nervous about the prospect of going to university, but I feel I am in a good place to go for it.”
While Will will stay at LEAP for a little while longer while he awaits to results of his bursary, all at LEAP wish him all the best for an exciting future!
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