Alex’s Story

At just 15, Alex was kicked out of his mum’s home. With nowhere to go, he was taken in by his best friend’s family, who gave him stability for several years. But when that relationship broke down, Alex moved to Manchester to live with his dad who was struggling with severe mental health issues and substance misuse. The year and a half that followed was filled with physical and emotional abuse.

Eventually, Alex returned to Milton Keynes, where his friend’s family took him in again. When things fell apart a second time, he found himself street homeless for the first time spending nights in a local shelter before moving into YMCA Milton Keynes.

At first, Alex barely left his room. Anxiety kept him isolated, but over time, he began to make friends and reconnect with others. Unfortunately, his growing alcohol misuse led to behavioural problems and rent arrears, and he was asked to leave. For the next six months, Alex lived out of a car, travelling from place to place. The friend he was with also became abusive, and Alex soon found himself back on the streets, this time far from home.

Police found him after a few days and helped him return safely to Milton Keynes. He spent another three weeks sleeping rough before sofa surfing for nearly a year. During this time, he sobered up, began repaying his rent arrears, and eventually moved back into YMCA Milton Keynes for a second chance.

This time, things were different. Alex surrounded himself with positive influences and fully embraced the support on offer. He worked closely with his Complex Needs Worker, Chloe, to set goals for his wellbeing and future. Through MakeWell, he accessed 1:1 psychological support, and joined employability courses to prepare for work. Together, they worked on getting his ID so he could open a bank account — a key step toward independence.

Alex describes himself as “mostly happy and healthy” now. He has completed several business administration courses, and is eager to find stable employment. He’s also reconnected socially, joining group activities and building strong friendships that help him “stay grounded.”

His hopes for the future are simple but powerful:

“Just stability. A stable job. And one day, I’d love to travel. I’ve never been abroad before.”