Keisha is 18. A couple of years ago, she found herself homeless, and found a safe place to stay at Roundabout’s hostel. She is hardworking, dedicated and is a brilliant example of the positive difference that young people can make to their lives, with support.
Keisha grew up living in Sheffield with her Mum and younger brother. When she was in her teens, the relationship with her mum began to deteriorate.
“Mum became abusive, bullying and neglectful. I was kicked out for 3 days and lived on the streets. When I told my friend about it, she took me to my dad’s to live there instead”.
Keisha remained living with her Dad for two more years, but the living situation was crowded. She shared a room with two other girls and never had any time to herself, which caused friction in the family relationships and led to arguments.
“I was constantly arguing with my dad, which led to me getting kicked out three times. Each time I would stay out on the streets till 3am but then go to stay at a friend’s. The final time I was kicked out I shoved some of my belongings into a bag and went to stay at a friend’s house for a week.”
Keisha was concerned about her studies and where she was going to live. Needing help and support, she turned to her teacher at school who brought her to Roundabout’s Homeless Prevention Service.
Here, Keisha received housing advice about what she could do next and was supported to move into safe accommodation.
Keisha moved into the Roundabout Hostel, where she had a Key Worker who supported her on her journey to independence. She still attended college and studied for her A Levels as in the future, she wants to go to University to study midwifery.
In her spare time, Keisha volunteered as a Peer Educator for Roundabout, going into secondary schools to hold lessons on homeless education, break down stereotypes associated with the issue and inform students of local organisations that can help them if they are at risk of homelessness.
Keisha helped to lead activities to educate about how youth homelessness can affect anyone and also told her life story at the end these lessons. This personal connection really helps students to understand the issue on a deeper level.
Peer Education not only aims to prevent young people from becoming homeless in the future, but it really helps to build up the confidence and skills of our volunteers. Keisha has flourished in the role and has since appeared on live radio, received an award from BBC Radio Sheffield, been filmed by the National Lottery and spoken at fundraising events.
Keisha moved into her own property at the end of 2019, and continued to receive help from Roundabout through our Supporting Tenants team. She has applied to go to university too, following her dream of becoming a midwife. We’re so proud of Keisha and wish her all the best for her future!
Roundabout supports 250 young people like Keisha every single day. Please consider making a donation today, to help us be there for young people at risk of homelessness in South Yorkshire.