I left home when I was 16 ½ two weeks after my exams at school. My relationship with my parents had broken down . My mom was really ill and I didn’t want to put more pressure on her and the family. When I did leave it was not just because of me but a bit of both sides. I was fed up with all the arguments and I am sure that they were as well.
I tried to avoid going into hostels and so crashed with my mates for a couple of moths. I ended up in a hostel in my home town for a while and then I moved to Birmingham to get out of the area.
I stayed in a Cornerstone hostel and was there from March to September last year. I broke a few rules and had to leave there. I then went to Milner Court at St Basils an emergency accommodation project where you can only stay a few weeks and then I was referred here to Edmonds Court Foyer. You have to be in education, training or work to live here.
I got this place because I was already in college doing ‘Beyond 16’ in Creative Arts.
The staff here are really helpful and there are good facilities with access to the internet etc. I can relate to staff and they relate to me. It suited me better here. I have a good friendship with my key worker.
I needed this support to get me through some very difficult times. My mom diedj ust about a month after I had moved in. When mom died I became really angry and distressed but the staff could see where I was coming from, they could relate to my personal problems.
Joining the RAF.
Hence my career in the RAF, mom would have loved me to do this. Now my aim is to get on, not to forget but to get on. Mom knew that I wanted to join up as I had a friend who was in the RAF. I didn’t used to think I would be mentally able enough to join up but I have grown up a lot, my friends can’t believe just how much. My situation made me grow up quickly. I never slept rough but I have been in some really dirty and freezing cold places. I know I can do this. I can adapt, I have done before.
I applied to join up a few weeks ago and went for the 2 day selection course. I passed and now I will leave here in two days for Buckinghamshire. My career will be in the supply end where we load planes up with equipment. I will undergo 9 weeks training Monday to Sunday and then look forward to a couple of weeks off to gather my thoughts.
Family support. My dad is really happy I have got a career and that I will make something of myself. My Nan and Grandad always supported me with food and money, even though I would never ask, they were always there. My sister came and collected the clothes and things I will not need. She took them over to Dad's place for me andI will be able to stay there when I am on leave.
Today I am packing. Tomorrow I must sign my leaving papers for Edmonds Court. I will be earning real money and I hope I will be able to save some for my future.
I will write to the people here to keep them up to date on my progress and I will keep a diary. I am feeling a bit nervous but I know I have grown up a lot and now its my future. My mom will be proud of me even though she is not here.
