When Scarlett first came to Key she was struggling after a relationship breakdown with her mum. Despite their close bond, they were unable to live together due to her mum’s ongoing mental health and substance use challenges. Scarlett moved in with her aunt for a short period before securing her first flat.
However, adjusting to independent living proved difficult. With little experience managing bills, budgeting, or maintaining a home, Scarlett soon found herself overwhelmed. Her flat became a health and safety concern, and she fell behind on rent payments. At that time, Scarlett was struggling with her mental health, experiencing anxiety and depression, and had begun to lose hope in herself and her home.
Scarlett was referred to Key’s Resettlement and Retainment Team by South Tyneside Homes. Our team began providing regular, holistic support to help her rebuild stability. Scarlett was referred to Key’s counsellor for weekly sessions, and her support worker took her on weekly walks to help improve her mental wellbeing. Together, they created a budgeting plan to manage her income, prioritise essentials like food and bills, and address her existing debts with the help of WHiST (Women’s Health in South Tyneside).
Staff also supported Scarlett in learning essential life skills — from cleaning and maintaining her flat to establishing daily routines that promoted confidence and independence. During this period, Scarlett was also diagnosed with ADHD and began treatment, which helped her better manage her emotions and mental clarity. Over time, Scarlett regained a sense of control and began to rebuild her relationship with her mum.
Today, Scarlett is thriving. She is in full-time employment, has become a secure tenant, and takes great pride in maintaining her home. She has payment plans in place to clear her debts and has completed a supervisor training course in her security role – a testament to her hard work and determination.
Her relationship with her mum has improved greatly, and they now enjoy spending meaningful time together. Scarlett no longer requires counselling and manages her mental health and ADHD effectively with ongoing treatment and self-care.
Scarlett’s story is a powerful example of how, with the right support and perseverance, it’s possible to turn a difficult situation into a story of growth, confidence, and independence.
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*Please note that names may have been changed and stock photography used to preserve the anonymity of this young person.