After Oasis; Lorna’s story
I got kicked out of home when I was 19. I lived in two hostels before coming to No.3. It was really different - it was like a family, not like an institution - the other places had wardens and things like that, but No.3 felt very different. More like a home, and it was easier to settle there, because you felt more welcomed.
I stayed at No.3 for 18 months, and it was a real learning curve. You didn't get many chances there; they wouldn't put up with bad behaviour. My Key Worker (pictured with me) would always encourage me to be doing something and not wasting time so I started a catering course at Southwark College.
When I moved out, the staff helped me to get furniture for my flat. Then two years later I became pregnant, and No.3 was the place I went to for help. I would visit a few times a week, and the staff helped me to get the right benefits and to prepare for being a parent. They were so supportive - they were even in the hospital with me when I gave birth!
Now I'm a Student Support Manager in a secondary school. I work with the students who are consistently late, or have behavioural problems. The job is very tiring, but I really enjoy it. I was very naughty at school, so it's great to be able to help young people who are having a similar experience. One girl in Year 7 would throw herself on the floor kicking and screaming; I worked with her all the way up to Year 11, and although our relationship was difficult, she was never permanently excluded. That was a real success.
Being at No.3 gave me a very different mindset. When I see people living on the streets now, I always have time for them. I spent this Christmas working with homeless people. When people have done good things for you, you want to give something back.