When you are a little kid you have this security; seeing my brother, my sister and my mum at home, it felt right. But we went into care for a while when I was 10. My mum couldn't cope with us, or that's what social services said. My brother was only five and my little sister was a baby. Her dad took my sister with him; me and my brother went to a different woman. She was horrible to my brother to the point where I had to say something about it. Then we all went back to my mum. I think it's been hard for her, but I don't really ask.
I was in trouble at school from year 8. I did do my GCSEs – I came out with five – but I was meant to do a lot more. I left home when I was 16 and went to live at college, outside of London. I think this was a starting point for my relationship with my mum breaking down. I had already been in trouble with the police, which stressed my mum out because of my little brother and sister. I was on supervision orders. They got me for a lot of stuff: theft, but mostly weapons and fighting.
When I was 17, I was living between my girlfriend's and my mum's house. I'd argue with one and then go to stay with the other. After I broke up with the girl, I didn't have anywhere to go. The youth offending team told me that, because I wasn't able to live with my mum, I was actually homeless – even though I was staying at people's houses. I was referred to Centrepoint and am now living in one of their hostels. I'll be privately renting soon, I hope.
Centrepoint has given me so many opportunities. After doing some taster courses, I am now on an apprenticeship in building maintenance. I'm looking forward to finishing my apprenticeship and staying employed in construction.
Last year I was a member of the Centrepoint parliament. I was liaising with young people from other Centrepoint hostels, seeing how their services are run. You'd take the good aspects of that and try to bring it into your service, and they would do the same for theirs.
Then there's the work outside of Centrepoint, like meeting MPs and being able to talk in the House of Commons. It's the chance to have your voice heard when otherwise you might not.
I think I've dealt with things pretty well now, looking back ... it's not easy for anyone is it? I've really grown through being involved with Centrepoint – it has helped me to make changes for myself.
Ryan is an assumed name.
Interviewed by Sue George
Make a difference
Like Ryan, John is overcoming his problems and creating a better life thanks to Centrepoint
John endured a troubled, unstable childhood and, by the age of 15, was living rough to escape his violent mother. He turned to drink and self-harming, and had become suicidal when he was brought to the attention of Centrepoint.
Finally, John had a warm, safe room to call his own and access to counsellors. He has taken advantage of the life-skills classes and is studying hard for A-levels in economics, philosophy and politics.
But there are plenty of young people in a similar situation to John, who still need the help and guidance Centrepoint can provide.
You can sponsor a room for just 40p a day and help a young homeless person like Ryan or John off the streets and into a warm, safe room.
But your generosity will mean more than just a room: it will give someone like John access to counselling and support to overcome traumas from their past, training and advice to help them into college or employment, and essential life skills to help them live independent and fulfilling lives.
To donate, visit centrepointroom.org.uk/xmas
For other ways to support homeless young people this Christmas, visit centrepointgifts.org.uk/xmas and centrepointchristmas.org.uk/xmas
