A homeless teenager who “felt hopeless” turned her life around to help others in the same situation. Alexandra Reynolds, from Weston-super-Mare, had to overcome both mental health struggles and a challenging upbringing.
She once faced her own struggles as a tenant at Sanctuary Supported Living’s Weston Foyer. And she has come full circle – now working there as a project worker and helping young people to find their way to independence.
Alex was just 16 when she moved into the supported living flats after a difficult childhood made worse by her parents’ struggles with addiction. She said she was left feeling isolated, hopeless, and battling severe depression.
She said: “I couldn’t go out; I didn’t speak to anyone. I felt like there was no way out and turned to drugs to escape.”
Even after moving into the Foyer, she found herself caring for her younger sister, who was still living at home, while also trying to support her father, who was struggling with alcoholism after the tragic death of another sibling. She says the pressure she faced was immense for a 16-year-old: “It felt so unfair, and I couldn’t cope. I was being let down by the very people who should have been looking after me.”
With support from staff, she began to open up about her experiences and gained the confidence to seek further help, accessing counselling and therapy through the NHS. Slowly, her mental health improved, and she found a sense of community at the Foyer.
She recalled: “I began to understand that while I couldn’t control what had happened in the past, I could change how I responded to it,
“It wasn’t just a safe and secure place to live – it was my home. The other tenants and staff became like a family to me. That support was exactly what I needed to turn my life around.”
The unwavering encouragement helped her rediscover her self-worth and pursue her dream of becoming a performer in musical theatre. Alex eventually moved out in 2007, ready to face the world on her own.
In 2010, while raising her two-year-old daughter, she was living independently in her own home and was able to access the Foyer’s community-based floating support team. They provided the additional support she needed in dealing with her family members’ addictions.
Where to find help
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected].
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
The idea of a new career began to take shape – and it saw Alex returning to Weston Foyer – this time as a project worker. She now supports people facing challenges relating to mental ill-health, learning disabilities, homelessness or domestic abuse.
And her personal experiences as a former tenant give her a unique ability to relate to her clients.
She said: “Joining the team at Weston Foyer was a dream come true. It felt like coming home, but this time, I could give back and help others on their journey.”
She won the Best Support Worker Award at the national Housing with Care Awards this year, calling it “incredibly validating, not just for me, but for the entire team”. She added: “It reminded me of why I started this journey in social care and why I continue to push forward in my career.
“This role challenges you to grow as much as it encourages you to bring out the best in others. Every day, you get to help young people rewrite their stories, and there’s nothing better than seeing someone take control of their life again.”