Creating Community
In this post we’re shining a light on Craig, whose work in our Community and Transition team focuses on supporting young people moving on from care settings, dealing with trauma or social isolation — at a point where many become reluctant to engage with supports and are at real risk of falling through the cracks.
Craig explains: “Over the past few months I’ve been getting to know several young people navigating very different challenges. It’s really reminded me how important it is to work with each of them at their own pace.”
Each Story Is Different
One young woman was preparing to move into her own flat while managing substance-misuse issues.
“She works best in short, focused bursts, so we’ve kept things flexible and taken it bit by bit… I shared some of my own life experiences and she’s now attending regular appointments with a specialist service.” That consistency has helped build trust, help her re-engage with help, organise her home and rebuild routines that can make sustaining her tenancy achievable.
Another young person had spent a short time in prison and struggled to trust anyone.
“He told me early on that trusting people doesn’t come easily, so I made it a priority to stay consistent and available.” By release, Craig’s steady presence meant the young man could move straight into safe accommodation, sort out finances and start addressing substance use—support that kept him safer and better linked to his local community.
Craig has also been supporting a young man who had become very isolated.
“To begin with, I spent time with him at home and supported him with housing repairs to build trust in a way that felt safe for him.”
Across each story, the purpose is the same: keep young people safe, engaged and supported at a time when other services often step back.
Tailored Support
As Craig says:
“Our values of care, hope, acceptance and perseverance sit at the heart of my work. Watching their confidence grow… has been a reminder of how powerful it can be when young people feel respected, supported and that someone believes in them.”