Walking Alongside Monica: From Sofa Surfing to Independent Living in Coventry

When relationships break down, the impact on a young person can be sudden and destabilising. For many of the young people we support at Bardsley Youth Project, it doesn’t start with sleeping rough — it starts with sofa surfing, uncertainty, and running out of safe places to stay.

This case study shares Monica’s journey: how the team supported her to move from instability into supported accommodation. This enabled Monica to secure are more stable living situation - from which to go on and gain employment and improve her self-esteem. It’s one story, but it reflects the reality faced by many young people we work alongside every day — and what’s possible when they’re not expected to face it alone.

Monica came to see us as her relationship with her parents had broken down and she had been sofa surfing. Monica had no income and was running out of places she could get a bed for the night.

We spoke to Monica about local supported housing options. She felt this may be a good way of her getting accommodation that would allow her to work towards becoming independent in the community, as she had never lived alone before. We explained to Monica that she would have to make a claim for Universal Credit, as she would need an income in order to pay rent in supported accommodation, and to be able to support herself with food etc.

Monica made a claim for universal credit and we put referrals into two supported housing projects that we felt would suit Monica’s needs. Monica asked that if she got an interview at either of these projects could we accompany her. She felt nervous about going to new places and meeting new people. We told her we could absolutely come with her it was not a problem at all.

Monica had interviews at both of the projects we referred her to and staff accompanied her both times so she felt comfortable.

Monica chose one of the supported housing projects and moved in. As Monica had no property of her own other than clothing, we were able to provide her with a kitchen pack to fully equip her kitchen and a sofa for her lounge. Monica settled in well.

After a few months Monica was able to gain employment and her self- esteem and self- confidence have vastly improved.

Monica’s story is one of many — but it shows what can happen when a young person is supported and walked alongside during a time of crisis. With guidance, practical help, and someone to walk alongside her in her journey, she was able to move from crisis into stability, build confidence, and take steps toward an independent future.

At Bardsley Youth Project, we support young people aged 16–25 across Coventry who are homeless, sofa surfing, or at risk of losing their accommodation. We work alongside each young person at their pace — helping them to find, equip, and keep a place they can call home.

If you’re a young person who needs support, you can find clear information about our services and how to get in touch through our Young Person’s Digital Information Hub:👉 https://www.bardsleyyouth.org/young-people

If you’re looking to make a referral, you can do so via our Referral Page - We accept referrals from Young People, Trusted Adults and Professional:👉 https://www.bardsleyyouth.org/make-a-referral

And if you’d like to help make stories like Monica’s possible, there are lots of ways you can support our work. Every contribution helps us provide practical, timely support to young people facing housing insecurity in Coventry:👉 https://www.bardsleyyouth.org/support-our-work

We believe no young person should have to face homelessness alone.