The family suddenly had to rely on one income and food was scarce. Josh’s older sister moved out and Josh desperately attempted to assume the role of parental guardian. His youngest brother was excluded from school and the other siblings exploited the lack of a structured family life.
Josh tried to continue his studies and earn some money for food by working nights and weekends at the local supermarket. He became malnourished, exhausted and depressed. Struggling with his A-Level studies, he dropped out of school. A neighbour bought him a train ticket to London and he left home without saying goodbye to his father and siblings.
For many youngsters, this would be the beginning of a life on the streets, leading to drugs and crime. But Josh was lucky. He was put into contact with Norwood and came to stay at Woolmead, our service for young vulnerable adults, often in trouble or homeless. With support from his Norwood social worker and staff at Woolmead, he was taught practical skills such as food preparation, cooking, cleaning and how to pay bills. Norwood funded a summer holiday at a Jewish youth camp, where he relaxed, had fun and established his links with Judaism.
With our encouragement, Josh successfully completed an NVQ course in Catering & Hospitality and secured a job as a chef in a local kosher restaurant. Soon he was ready, emotionally and financially, to establish an independent life. He moved into a flat share in Hendon.
Now 21, Josh is happy and outgoing, with a good job and a wide circle of friends. Recently, he decided to make contact with his father and siblings again. He is forever grateful to Norwood for all the support he received to rebuild his life and help him along his painful journey. In his own words: “Coming to London and living at Woolmead, was the best thing that ever happened to me”.
In order to protect confidentiality, names have been changed and do not necessarily relate to the personal histories or service divisions where they are featured.
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