“As a young person working full time, and barely managing to afford my bills, I don’t think there’s enough help available.”

Just after she turned 16, Sumayia first got help from us through our Swansea Supported Lodgings service, which provides safe accommodation for young people aged 16-25 who can’t live at home.  

“Growing up, I struggled at home a lot,” she says. “During Covid, things got especially hard, and I was struggling to even stay in the house. 

“One of my teachers at school knew about the Barnardo’s service and they helped me get in touch. As soon as I turned 16, there was a meeting and after getting my mum’s consent, I went into supported lodgings with Barnardo’s. I went into two different supported lodgings and then later, I was able to get my own place.” 

“Where is the support for the young people who are working but still can’t afford to live?” 

Even though Sumayia has a full-time job and works overtime shifts, she still struggles to manage her bills, rent, and other essentials. “I especially struggle with energy bills,” she says. “I pay them every three months because it works out cheaper than paying monthly. But honestly, when the time comes, it's still just so expensive. 

“I know the cost of living is a struggle for everyone at the moment, but I think it’s especially difficult for young people. I find it really hard because I’m trying to manage going out, meeting with friends, buying essential things for myself and trying to save up money all at the same time. I’m just doing whatever I can to get by. 

“I'm learning to drive, but it's so difficult to afford. Driving lessons are ridiculously expensive so paying for those and also trying to save for a car is a lot for me. 

“Most of my money goes towards bills and I'm not able to really save anything for myself. I think a lot of other young people who still live with their parents find it easier to do things like buy new clothes and go on holiday – but that just isn’t an option for me. I often feel like I have to live up to societal expectations and do it all on my own, but it’s hard when I’m struggling so much with my bills.”

“As a young person working full time and barely managing to afford my bills, I don’t think there’s enough help available. Where is the support for the young people who are working but still can’t afford to live? 

“I'm going to be doing a Health & Social Care course soon. I chose to do that so I can get a better job for myself and make more money so hopefully my living costs will be more affordable. I’m hoping to complete it in three years, but I’ll still have to work full time as well as studying at university so I can manage my bills and living costs.”  

How we’ve helped Sumayia cope with the cost-of-living  

“I've had a lot of support from Barnardo's over the past three and a half years,” she says. “Even now I’ve left the supported lodgings, I still feel supported. If I need anything, Barnardo’s are there to help me.” 

Sumayia also gets support from our Swansea Bloom service, which gives young people a positive space to explore their identity, passions, and potential through activities and life coaching. 

“During the summer, there's loads of activities that Barnardo’s runs through the Bloom service so that me and other young people have things to do. Going out anywhere is so expensive nowadays, so it’s a great support that Barnardo’s organises different activities and days out. 

“Barnardo’s also did some cooking lessons which were really helpful. They would pay for ingredients and then we’d cook and eat different recipes which meant we didn’t always have to pay for food. 

“When I moved out of the lodgings and got my own place, Barnardo’s helped me get some essential things I needed through the Cost-of-Living Fund, like a new carpet, fridge/freezer, a bed and a mattress which helped a lot. 

“I did have to buy a lot of things for myself as well, which was difficult even though I was working full time. I bought a TV, air fryer, cooker and washing machine myself, amongst other things. It was stressful for me trying to balance everything and make ends meet.” 

What Sumayia wants to see change 

“When I was 16-years-old, and went into the supported lodgings, I didn’t get as much financial support as young people in the care system,” she says. 

“The government should look at the care system and make it more fair for young people who’ve moved out at 16 like I did. At the time, I didn’t feel like I could properly provide for myself because it’s hard to get a proper job at that age. 

  *A model has been used to protect Sumayia's identity    

“When I was in the lodgings, one of my friends at the time was put into care. She was able to access so much more support than I was – the government paid for her driving, and she didn’t have to pay council tax or anything like that. It didn’t feel fair because we were in very similar situations, but she got a lot more advantages. 

“I think we should all be able to access the same support and funding.”