When Ibrahaim first arrived at Quo Vadis Trust, he was ready for the next step in his recovery and independence. Having previously lived in a care home and supported accommodation, he was used to sharing space and daily responsibilities. Moving into one of Quo Vadis Trust’s supported housing projects gave him a new level of privacy, opportunity, and personal growth. Here, Ibrahaim shares how the support, friendships, and volunteering opportunities have shaped his life and helped him look ahead to a hopeful future.
When did you first come to Quo Vadis and what was going on for you at that time?
I arrived here three months before Christmas, so I’ve spent six or seven months here. Before I came here, I was at a care home and supported accommodation. So, it was a similar environment where I had to cook and clean after myself, like here.
What were the most positive, as well as challenging aspects of being in supported housing?
Support workers and staff help us and ask if we need anything. The staff are friendly and help me, speaking to me nicely. I’ve made good friends with fellow housemates here. Cleaning up after myself is the hardest thing, but everything else comes easier.
How has Quo Vadis helped you?
Coming here helped me because the place I was at before was a shared accommodation in a care home, but since I came here, I now have a studio flat, kitchen, bathroom, and everything included. It made my life easier because I had to share my living space with others before, but now, I have everything to myself. I even have a fridge now that I didn’t have before.
What motivated you to get involved in activities and work on your goals?
Just being with my friends and the staff reminding me to come down helped motivate me. The coffee sessions and art sessions kept me occupied. I never had a job before, so I started volunteering to one day get a part-time paid job.
What have been your experiences with volunteers and working on your goals?
So far, speaking to volunteers has helped me secure my volunteering job, and I’m happy to see them every week. Volunteers speak to us individually; they can help you when you want to get back to college or do volunteer work.
What has changed as a result of this involvement?
The volunteering job I do is very demanding, but I am good at it. I spent most of my time indoors, but now I travel to work, and that gives me more time to go outside freely. I now take a break at work for 15 minutes, and get some coffee, it’s a new experience in my life.
What would you say to others who are considering participating in activities, working on goals, or becoming a volunteer?
I think people who are thinking about participating should come down and spend time with other people around so we can get to know each other. I’d say to people thinking of working on goals, it’s good to work on them, individually, with staff about what they want to do, so they can help us. I would also tell them to volunteer; it is a good experience. Especially if you have never had a job before, volunteering is when you learn how to work before you get a job.
Do you have anything else you would like to tell me about activities or general staff support?
Generally, staff support is okay; I’m good with the staff here. However, if I need to add anything, I’d suggest that staff consider planting an apple tree here, as it’d be nice to have fresh apples available.
What are your plans and hopes for the future?
I hope to one day go back to college. If not, I hope to find a girlfriend and have children. Currently, I’m working two hours at my volunteering job, so I feel happy and excited about the way things are going.
Thanks so much for talking to us Ibrahaim! Read more case studies here