As a new mum, having children has made me look at my career choices differently. Seeing my two little girls grow has shown me just how much love and passion goes into a child's development! I have always enjoyed working with young people, but retraining to be a nursery practitioner will be the perfect compliment to the skills I’ve learned as a parent.
Things were going okay for me until I was made redundant whilst being pregnant a few years ago. I struggled to pay my rent and as my baby was my priority, I went to the council to help me find somewhere to live. I was in an unhealthy relationship at the time too so I was forced to move away from the borough and my support networks there. I continued to struggle financially and got into debt as I was trying to do what was right for us.
A few years on, we’re facing eviction from our home due to the landlord wanting to sell it. Although I’m getting support to find somewhere to live again, I don't want the same debt problems to follow me. I’m determined that things will be different this time. I’m going to re-train, get into stable work and make sure I can provide for my family!
I’m feeling positive about the future now that I have some new goals to work towards. I’ve thought about how I could improve my situation for a long time but I’ve never had the funds to pay for a course or develop my career. I know that this coming year will be a challenge but I see it as an amazing opportunity to make a positive difference in other children’s lives as well as be a role model for my own!
Stacey is working with Beam because she's been homeless in the last two years and is currently at risk of homelessness again.