Ellie’s Journey Towards Independence and Stability
Ellie is 19 years old and came to ALABARÉ's Young People supported living service following significant instability at home. Relationships had become increasingly volatile, and conflict ultimately led to her eviction. As a result, she spent a period sofa surfing, living without any real sense of security or routine that left her feeling vulnerable at a critical stage in her young adulthood.
Her teenage years were marked by disruption. Although she sat her GCSEs, she failed all of them, which further affected her confidence and prospects. She later enrolled on a course at Andover College and discovered that she enjoyed practical, hands-on learning, but a lack of stability and ongoing challenges meant she dropped out.
Many young people come to our service from chaotic environments where conflict, instability and exposure to substance misuse have shaped their formative years. Ellie’s experience reflects this reality. Alongside housing instability, she was struggling with drug and alcohol use, and the combination of these challenges created a cycle that was difficult to break.
When Ellie arrived at the service, she needed more than accommodation. She needed safety, structure and consistent support. Our team worked alongside specialist partners, including Catch22, to help her address substance misuse, establish routines and begin rebuilding confidence in her future.
One year after entering the young people supported living service, Ellie describes significant progress. With the support of Catch22, she has reduced her substance use considerably and is working towards becoming fully drug-free.
“I’ve managed to get clean of quite a few things and cut myself down on some drugs. Catch22 help me keep track of how long I’m staying clean and setting challenges each week. I do think it’s possible in a couple of months to be fully clean.”
The support has been practical and personalised, combining face-to-face meetings, goal-setting and ongoing encouragement. Importantly, it has enabled Ellie to focus on new aspirations rather than simply managing day-to-day survival.
One of her most significant achievements has been enrolling at College, something she had wanted to do for some time. Staff supported her with the application process, travel planning, and creating the routines needed to attend regularly.
“Catch22 helped me do the sign-up, and the staff here helped me work out the buses and get into a routine. I’ve just completed my first full week, and I loved it.”
The course has provided both purpose and motivation. Working with animals, including meerkats, porcupines, and lemurs, has reignited her enthusiasm for learning. For the first time, education feels relevant and engaging.
Alongside educational progress, Ellie has been working on her emotional wellbeing through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Previously, conflict often led to angry reactions or impulsive decisions. Through therapy and support from staff, she has developed strategies that help her regulate her emotions and respond differently to difficult situations. A grounding technique known as the “5-4-3-2-1” method has become particularly useful.
“Instead of doing my normal shout and scream at whoever’s annoyed me, I’m more chilled. The skills help calm me down.”
Staff reinforce these techniques during moments of crisis, helping Ellie reflect on what has triggered her emotions and giving her space to regain control before discussing challenges. Reflecting on the difference between her life now and a year ago, she says:
“I’m more me instead of who people want me to be. I don’t put on a mask. I’m just myself, and I’m not people pleasing just to get friendships.”
She has begun to build healthier relationships and moved away from peer groups that contributed to negative behaviours.
Beyond the young people supported living accommodation and support sessions, opportunities to take part in ALABARÉ wellbeing activities have helped broaden Ellie’s experiences and strengthen her confidence. She recently joined a kayaking and snorkelling trip organised through the service. Despite being anxious because she is not a confident swimmer, she felt able to participate because she trusted the staff supporting her.
“I knew they wouldn’t let anything happen to me. There was support there, so I could still join in. It was really fun.”
These experiences have helped her develop trust, build social connections and gain confidence in trying new things.
Today, Ellie speaks positively about the future and the young people supported living team are enormously proud of her. She is focused on completing college, improving her English and maths qualifications and continuing her recovery journey. She is engaging with house activities and looking forward to opportunities that will help residents build stronger relationships with one another.
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