Ryan Davis case study
Ryan was referred to the Young People Forward (YPF) project by a member of staff at Streetlife in Blackpool after leaving Wigan. He had left because he had been asked to leave by his stepmother who had given him an ultimatum that if he didn't leave, she would kick him and his Father out leaving them both homeless. He decided to leave so his Father could remain at the home address.
Ryan accessed emergency accommodation from Streetlife young people service as he had nowhere to go upon arriving in Blackpool. The YPF CSI Team worked closely with him to ascertain what his hopes, needs and aspirations were for the future so that the YPF CSI Team at Active Lancashire could support him in achieving his goals.
After working with him for ten weeks a trusted relationship was developed, and Ryan was more confident to discuss his background and history of growing up which helped form a better understanding of Ryan’s difficulties. His Father that was a Heroin addict who was intermittently in and out of Prison, never in stable employment and therefore not a positive role model. Incredibly Ryan did not turn to substance misuse although he did say he was sometimes tempted to drink alcohol to help him forget.
During this time Ryan's Grandmother passed away which had a big impact on him, so he was given counsellor through Streetlife to help support him through his grief. Ryan has engaged in numerous activities including the walks, meditation and more recently Football and Archery. Attending the activities has made him feel much happier and calmer in himself.
Ryan had previously accessed advice from the Army Careers Office in Preston and had enrolled to join the Army, but his application had got lost due to not having a permanent address in Blackpool. The YPF CSI Team has directed him to make contact with the Army Careers Office to forward his temporary supported accommodation address. He is currently receiving support to move into his own property.
Active Lancashire's YPF CSI Team will continue to mentor Ryan in the community through the activities. He will be given help to improve his basic skills on how to live independently. Support will be provided regarding preparation for his basic training in the Army in June.
Young People Forward project
The Young People Forward Project aims to use sport to improve the physical and mental health, self-efficacy and resilience of young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness across the North of England and Scotland.
6 Active Partnerships and Street Soccer Scotland are working directly with 570 young people and with 42 specialist community organisations to embed sport and physical activity sessions into their programmes. Additional support will also be given to help some of the young embark on a journey out of homelessness.
The London Marathon Charitable Trust awarded a £600,000 grant to Active Partnerships which was made possible from money donated by Virgin Money.
For more information on YPF click here