My name is Robert Busby and I am 19 years old. In the build up to Christmas 2006) I became homeless, because I split up with my girlfriend and got kicked out of my home. I then slept rough on a bench for about 2 weeks with no money, no clothes apart from what I was wearing. Sleeping rough was the worst experience I had ever had in my life and I was so scared because the people were coming out of pubs and clubs and kept waking me up.
On Christmas day my Nan came looking for me and I moved in with her for a few weeks.
In January that year I went to the Birmingham City Council and presented myself as homeless.They put me in touch with St Basils who referred me to a bed sit at St Basil’s project Edmonds Court. I didn’t really want to move in because I wanted to move back in with my girlfriend.But that was not going to happen so I moved in and made the most of it.
I was given a furnished bedsit which was great after living on the streets. I now had a roof and was safe. I also had money as staff helped me sort out my benefits.
Since moving in I have bettered myself in many ways.I have taken advantage of the courses they run at the project. I needed to improve my English and Maths and noticed at the project they ran a basic skills course so I enrolled and started attending the courses.I have now got Entry level 1 in English and a level 1 in Maths.I also started an IT course.
The Learning Skills and Work 'LSW' worker is helping me to find training and work. I would like to be a doorman or a security guard.
When I moved in I was given a key worker. Key working is where I sit down with my worker and see if there are any problems that I need to work through.
At the project I got involved with activities that happen there and I am currently the resident’s rep for my project. Which means I organise and run residents meetings. I do the newsletter and do flyers advertising events. I motivate other residents to get involved in activities. You name it!! I do it within the role of a resident rep!
I have just joined the Youth Advisory board 'YAB where I have just passed my three months probation. We meet up every first Saturday in the month and we try and help the services run better at St Basils.
I recently had a chance to run a workshop on the 'Guide to Youth Involvement' at the St Basils National youth led conference 'Young People - Telling it Straight' at Aston University with over 100 professionals within the housing from all over the UK attending. This was scary but great.
Being at Edmonds Court has changed my life, since moving to Edmonds I have become more:
Confident
Made friends
Got qualifications
I’ve been given opportunities to do lots of new things; I have been involved in the charity car wash and been rock climbing and met lots of new people. I have changed and developed a lot since moving in.
Staff at Edmonds Court have helped me loads. No one has judged me which has been great. I have got a home and a future to look forward to.
This Christmas will be very different to last year. Before I had nothing to wake up for now I’ve got lots of reasons and goals.
