KF's Story
It’s been six years since KF first moved into one of our supported hostels and four years since she has been living independently.
We thought it was a good time to check in and see how things are going with KF.
This is what KF had to say:
I started getting support from GISDA when I was just nearly seventeen. I moved into one of their hostels and was given a key worker who was lovely and helped me with any problems that I had and kindly drove me to appointments and meetings. I particularly liked the days when we went out for a cuppa and a catch up. I was then given another key worker as my previous worker left to have a baby. My new key worker again gave me amazing support with my living skills, helped me with gaining confidence and took me on days out.
Where are you now?
I left GISDA when I was eighteen after successfully applying for a flat from the local authority. I still received floating support to help me set up my new home and get settled in the community. I was also successful in completing my Level 3 Health & Social Care whilst living in GISDA’S supported housing, which made me so happy. I then applied for university and got accepted. Floating support made a massive difference for me and it really changed my life. I received help applying for grants to help me set up my new home and grants to help me with my education.
What would you say is your biggest personal achievement?
My biggest achievement is graduating from Bangor University with a Foundation Degree in Health & Social Care Management. It felt a million miles away from when I first moved into the hostel. I’m now hoping to get accepted into Nursing.
If you had to talk about GISDA for five minutes what would you say?
If I were to talk to someone about GISDA I would tell them how amazing it is. I am where I am today not just of my own hard work and commitment; I could not have done it without GISDA’s staff. I feel that I only succeeded because of the encouragement of the staff. Working with the staff helped me get myself back on my feet and complete my education – not to mention all the confidence it has given me. I loved all the events they organised such as the yurt building, and I will never forget the trips and days out we had, particularly the ice skating and go karting.
I would like to say a massive thank you to all the staff at GISDA; I can’t even begin to explain how thankful I am. I hope you all carry on with the hard work which we the young people are always grateful for.