The young people accessing our services are some of the most resilient, creative and talented people who overcome significant challenges in their lives.

We could give you hundreds of examples of how they deal with and respond what life throws at them.  Today we want to shine the spotlight on Callum.

This is Callum’s success story:

"I was a resident at Birchwood for a period of 18 months having become at risk of homelessness. While living there, I completed my level 3 in Catering and Hospitality at College. As I settled in, I started to get more involved in the activities going on and started facilitating the resident’s meetings in partnership with staff.  As I grew in confidence and developed my skills I was supported to secure and manage my own tenancy - I finally got my own place!

I got stuck into volunteering at Birchwood’s' Junk Food Café working in the kitchen preparing meals for the local community.  I wasn’t expecting it but as a result of my voluntary work I was awarded a SELNET Enterprise in Society Award for volunteer of the year and received a Young Citizen of the year award from the High Sheriff of Lancashire!

In December 2018 just when I thought things couldn’t go any better, I got the job as the Apprentice for the Junk Food Cafe and prepare delicious meals for people in the community.

It was a great way to round off a great year"