Taylor’s Story

Taylor was 16 years old when the relationship with his Mum totally broke down and she threw him out. Prior to this he’d lived at his mum’s house with his younger sister.

He sofa surfed at friends houses and dropped out of school. His mental state deteriorated and he ended up sleeping rough for about 6 months. He was picked up by Medway Street Angels who helped him get back on track and sort out his benefits.

Taylor is now 19, living in supported housing with other 16-24 year olds. He is learning to budget, pay his rent and bills and he has gone back to college. Money is still tight and he says “very often I have nothing left. I’ve got no money for the electric so couldn’t cook anything anyway. I eat a lot of bread. I didn’t bother with things like washing and that”. The Hygiene Bank supports Taylor’s housing unit and so now Taylor has these essential hygiene products regularly available to him. “I didn’t realise how much better I felt when I was clean. I definitely feel more confident and feel more like I belong. I used to sit at the back of the class trying to be invisible. But now I chat with the others and I’ve got a girlfriend”.