James' Story
"I had been living with my mum, my step-father and my cat. The relationship between me and my stepdad was completely destructive, mentally and emotionally.
After 7 years of violence I ran away from home and was homeless. I couch surfed at first with a friend until that accommodation was no longer an option either. My school became aware of my situation and put me in contact with TINOCA that same day. I was nervous about whether I would be able to be accommodated. I called up and was invited to come in that night. I remember trying to be open-minded about what it was going to be like.
I instantly felt safe and at home. I have now mastered the art of tactically mopping certain areas of the floor to bamboozle the workers into believing I'm a hardcore slave to the clean. The youth workers helped me with relationship advice and helped me not succumb to peer pressure and smoke ciggs or do drugs. TINOCA gave me someone to trust and vent to, allowing me to clear my mind and focus on the road ahead.
Without TINOCA I would still be homeless and moving from couch to couch, or I would back in a toxic family environment, unable to succeed or be myself.
Next up? I plan to go to university, get a private rental with a mate and possibly rebuild my relationship with mum."
Most recently James has enrolled in university, studying Youth Work.