Make a real difference to the lives of young people by supporting us today
- £15 a week will fund personal development and teamwork activities
- £25 a week will feed an Amber resident
- £29 will fund a therapy session supporting residents come to terms what their pasts
- £126 will fund the costs of a team gaining qualifications in housing related subjects, providing a passport to accommodation with potential landlords
- £280 will fund a trip out fora team of residents to experience something new.
Adam’s Story
Adam is fast approaching 32, a proud father to two daughters and works as a chef on the seafront in Exmouth. 12 years ago, his life was rather different.
“I had a problem with drugs which I managed to kick but then I just replaced them with drinking excessively. I was on and off the streets in Exeter for a couple of years. I used Nightstop a bit and the staff there referred me to Amber.”
Adam spent 8 months living at Amber’s residential centre in Devon. “I was able to take a step back and re- evaluate my life. I broke down all my problems into manageable chunks then worked to make gradual changes in my life. “It really helped me get back to basics and learn to be a functioning person in society like apply for and keep a flat and how to look after myself.”
“When I arrived at Amber I had no qualifications at all but I was able to do a literacy and numeracy course while I was there and take courses in communication skills, leadership and team work. I’ve always really liked cooking and spent a lot of time in the kitchen at Amber.”
After leaving Amber Adam had a relapse and ended up in rehab again. “I was able to draw on what I learnt at Amber to support my recovery again- breaking my problems down and dealing with them one by one.”
Adam has had various jobs in the last 10 years until 2 years ago he got a job waiting tables at the marine camp. This led to a full time apprenticeship as a chef and he is now fully qualified. Last year he started a new job as a commis chef, within 4 months he was promoted to sous chef. Adam doesn’t know where he’d be now if it wasn’t for Amber
“I would probably still be doing drugs or drinking heavily. I may have even drunk myself to death.”