Paul* grew up in care and had multiple foster care placements throughout his childhood in different parts of Scotland. Living in a Barnardo’s Gap Home has helped give him stability and independence.
“I had been in many foster care placements throughout my life”, Paul explains. “My last one broke down with the family so I was moved into a homeless hostel. It wasn’t a suitable environment and thankfully my social worker referred me to Barnardo’s.” Our staff thought a Gap Home might be a good fit for him, helping bridge the gap between being in care and living independently.
A Gap Home is a purpose-built house for young people leaving local authority care. Young people can live independently but have access to consistent wraparound support from local Barnardo’s services. Staff are there to help the young people develop skills they might not have had the chance to learn.
“Before I started getting help from Barnardo’s, I didn’t know how to run my own flat,” says Paul. “I wasn’t sure how to pay for bills or the best way to cook for myself. One of the useful things my Barnardo’s project worker did was help write a list of all my potential outgoings and costs for when I have a place of my own.
“Barnardo’s can do a lot of things which young people who’re struggling might not be aware of. The charity can help not just with accommodation and the cost of living, but can provide support with education, employment, training and skills. The support I have received from Barnardo’s Gap Homes has also helped with my mental health.
"When I’m feeling low, I know my project worker is there to give me encouragement and advice. I’ve been able to meet other young people supported by Barnardo’s through group activities such as cooking.
“If you’re a young person without parents to help you it can be very difficult. You face challenges like loneliness and not having enough money to see your friends. Even basic items can be too expensive. Barnardo’s has provided me with supermarket vouchers, so I’ve been able to do a food shop on occasions when this has been difficult.”
Looking to the future
Gap Homes are not designed to be permanent places to live. Young people typically live in them for up to two years giving them a stepping stone from care to living independently.
“Barnardo’s provides support for my tenancy, but I know eventually I’ll have to do this myself. Gap Homes aim to help you get to that positive point where you’ve had time to learn and experience living independently,” Paul explains.
"Gap Homes also helps you develop a plan with goals that you can aim for. I’m currently studying at college. My plan is to begin a career in the airline industry as cabin crew. I like meeting new people and would like to eventually travel the world.
"Because my course is full-time, I’m not able to work and there have been times when I have run low on money. Through Barnardo’s I was also able to get a laptop which has been vital for my studying."
Life can be challenging for young people who are leaving care, but Barnardo’s can make a real difference. I’m very grateful to Barnardo’s Gap Homes for all the help they have given me.
Paul
What are Gap Homes like?
If you’re a young person, find out more about how Gap Homes provide a safe and sustainable environment to learn skills to help bridge the gap between care and independent living. Plus see what some of them look like.
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