BRADLEY is 25 years old, he lives in his own home in a Sheffield suburb and he is looking forward to launching his own business. But none of this, he says, would have been possible without the ongoing support of Roundabout.
Bradley was just 17 when he left home to avoid a family crisis and found himself without a proper place to live. But when he was pointed in the direction of the Roundabout hostel, he discovered an organisation that he says has completely changed his life.
“At the time me and my mum didn’t get on and we were always arguing and that ended up making my mum ill so we decided it would be best if I moved out,” Bradley says.
“I was referred to Roundabout and that changed everything for me – they helped me then and they have helped me ever since. They have been brilliant with me all the way – I really can’t say anything other than that.”
Bradley has found support not just from the Roundabout hostel but also from the charity’s other services.
When a relationship broke down and he found himself homeless once more, it was the Homeless Prevention Service that helped him to find accommodation.
And it was then that he was also introduced to Ray, Roundabout’s Future Builders coordinator.
Future Builders is a live-in apprenticeship scheme for young people in Sheffield.
Young people who have a need for housing work alongside professional contractors to renovate neglected houses, which they then live in while they study for an apprenticeship.
Bradley worked on properties in the Lowfield area of the city and found himself a safe and happy place to call home for the first time.
“They were really neglected when we started working on them, in a really bad state but we turned them into something magnificent,” he says.
“When we’d finished work on them I was really surprised about how good they looked. We did everything – new plaster boards, new floors, new kitchens, new bathrooms.
“I lived in one of them for more than a year and I have got to say it was the best time I have had, the people I lived with were brilliant and we all got along and helped each other.
“I’ve had a real period of stability whilst I’ve been on the Future Builders project.
“Ray and other staff at Roundabout have helped me so much in different ways.
“They’ve helped me to control my anger, improve my mental health and wellbeing and helped me learn how to budget my money, which has been really important now that I’m paying bills.”
The Roundabout team also supported Bradley as he trained to become a chef, moved into his new home and strengthened his relationship with his young son.
And even though lockdown did stop him pursuing his chosen career for a while, he is now determined to launch his own business.
“My dad’s going to invest with me so I can start my own business, making pre-prepared meals for the gym,” he explains.
“You’ll be able to have them fresh of freeze them and my plan is to put meals into vending machines, so you can pick up something healthy when you’ve finished training.
“At the minute I have a business plan to finish off, work out my profit, income, expenses, all that sort of thing, but i’m I’m hoping I’ll be able to get it started next year.
“That’s something else I have because of Roundabout – they got me into cooking and that helped me to get work.
“When I was 17 I’d never have thought that I would be a dad or a chef or wanting to do my own business but Roundabout were interested and they have inspired me to do stuff, encouraged me to achieve things.
“The great thing is that my little boy is enjoying cooking with me and he enjoys baking cakes – even though for him that means chucking flour everywhere!”
We’re so proud of Brad and all he’s achieved – we can’t wait to see him flourish as he sets up his own business!
By supporting Roundabout, you’re having a huge impact on the lives of homeless young people in South Yorkshire. To find out more about how you can make a difference, visit our Support Us page.