At the age of 16, Babar became homeless. Following a series of relationship breakdowns, and in desperate need of a safe place to stay, Babar moved into Young Devon’s Supported Housing. It soon became apparent that Babar had difficulty with anger management and maintaining relationships. He was unable to focus on a future career. Jumping from job to job, Babar’s behaviour became volatile and abusive, particularly when colleagues enforced the rules.
Young Devon encouraged Babar to join our Prince’s Trust Team programme, which he successfully completed. Our staff worked with him to help him develop ways to clear his head and balance his moods. He started an apprenticeship and college course through our Skills’ service, and secured work experience with a local barber.
After some time, Babar became ready to move out of Supported Housing, and into one of Young Devon’s flats, where he could find his feet in a more independent environment. Managing his money soon became a problem, but with extra help from the Young Devon team, Babar cleared his debts and arrears by making regular payments.
With a safe and secure place to call home, Babar focused on his future. He successfully applied for Prince’s Trust support to undertake an intensive professional barbering course, which meant that he could have his own station at the barber shop where he worked.
Despite all the turbulence, with the help of Young Devon, Babar has now developed into an independent and mature young man. He is self-employed, in a stable relationship and has stable accommodation. A far cry from the young man who, at 16 years old, told us… “I won’t be here long. I’m going to go out with a bang!!”
