A Home & Community for Young Care Leavers

In 2023, we transformed a derelict pub in Gateshead into a community hub.

Ben moved in a few months later. He was adopted aged 1 but his relationship with his adopted parents broke down just after his 17th birthday. In one year, Ben was moved 20 times. He says, “not many housing providers could deal with my mental health”, which included suicide attempts, self-harm, and overdoses.

His mental health has begun to improve, and he hasn’t overdosed. Ben puts this down to his flat, Handcrafted community and support worker, Neil.

“He’ll go one step further than everyone else… he has had some lived experience, so understands.”

Ben is starting woodwork sessions, and completed the ‘Xtreme Character Challenge’ with us, climbing three Scottish mountains in 72 hours.