Stephen has spent many of his younger years in care. He eventually left the care system when he was 16 and moved into an Alone in London housing project with a room of his own.
Stephen had great difficult opening up to anyone enough for them to help him find a purpose or goal to focus himself on. Eventually, after close support at the Cally Road project, he was able to work with our Training and Employment Service.

Stephen’s long-term goal was to become a flight attendant or air steward for one of the big airlines. Richard, the Training and Employment Officer worked with Stephen to identify the steps he would need to take to get where he wanted. Richard also spent a lot of time helping him get motivated after being told all his life he would not amount to much at all.

For the present time, they both decided to pursue training in customer services. Together, they applied to several work-based learning providers to undertake a Modern Apprenticeship in hotel hospitality.

While these training providers considered Stephen's application, he was introduced to a scheme which resulted in Stephen starting a two week work placement at Pret-A-Manger.

The placement supervisors were so happy with Stephen's enthusiasm and commitment they offered him part-time role in customer services, 2 days a week.

At first, Stephen found the routine of his new job hard to adjust to, getting up at 4 am and coping with the new responsibilities but he has persevered.
A few months on and Alone in London found Stephen more independent accommodation of his own. We continue to meet with Stephen to support him as he makes the transition to independence.