For World Homeless Day, which falls on the same day as World Mental Health Day each year, Lydia bravely shares her story, in the hope it might help others at risk of homelessness.

After weeks of sleeping on the sofas of family and friends, Lydia faced the very real and harsh prospect of life on the streets before she was put in touch with Roundabout. Lydia has since become one of our Peer Educators sharing her story with young people throughout the city.

“Hi my name is Lydia and at 16 years old I became homeless.

At that time my relationship with my family had broken down, and struggling with the instability of my living conditions had really took a toll on my mental health.

After weeks of sofa surfing I reached out to my college and explained what was happening to me, they put me in touch with Roundabout.

After helping me find a place in a hostel, Roundabout continued to support me with whatever I needed. I was given the opportunity to do family mediation with them, which really helped me understand how to solve problems better and set boundaries with my family.

As time passed I became comfortable talking with the staff in the office and felt I could go speak to them about whatever I was going through, helping me manage my anxiety and feel less alone. I told them how much I think therapy would help manage my mental health and alleviate some of the memories from the past.

I also joined the Peer Education programme with Roundabout, giving me a platform to share my story to students who could be going through a similar thing. This really helped me to process my homeless journey; I gained confidence in myself, and it gave me direction in life.

After I turned 18, I moved into my own flat, I was offered talk therapy sessions with Roundabout’s very own therapist. The waiting list was short and I was so excited to finally have a space to talk about my past and overcome feelings that had held me back for so long. After completing six sessions I was offered more and I could feel the weight lifted off my shoulders as I spoke with Nick (Roundabout’s Young Persons Counsellor).

Once I had finished my sessions with Nick, I felt ready to move on with my life. I went to university to study working with children and young people, which was inspired by staff at Roundabout helping me.

Now I am still supported to this day, I have regular check-ins with Will (Roundabout’s Mental Health & Well Being Worker), I speak to everyone within Peer Ed as they are my friends. I don’t know what I’d do without them.”

Photo: Lydia shares her story on stage at Roundabout’s ‘A Night at the Musicals‘ annual event in front of a sold out audience at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre.

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