Turning a negative situation into a positive future at Horizon House

3 Apr 2024

Working with the “really supportive people” at St John of God Horizon House, who provide homes and support for young people at risk of homelessness, Niall's not only got a plan for his future, he’s got the skills and confidence to make it happen.

“I’m originally from Perth, but due to domestic violence, me and my siblings moved to live with my auntie and uncle in the South West who went on to foster us and raise us and provide a better life for us, including a private school. However, after about five years or so, circumstances went downhill,” says Niall.

“My older siblings moved out and it became a really negative environment. It became apparent that things were not going to improve, with the situation becoming too toxic to remain, so I had to move into crisis accommodation. From there, I moved to Horizon House.”

This was a turning point for Niall, providing the time and space he needed to work out what he wanted to do with his life.

“I didn’t have to stress about the current situation: where I was going to live, what I was going to do next,” Niall explains. “Horizon House gave me a secure place to stay while I completed my Year 12 studies and the time to figure out what to do next, what I wanted to achieve.

“It was super-helpful. In the year I stayed there, I was able to continue at my school – moving schools was not an option at such a crucial time of my studies. And thanks to the amazing social workers, I was able to let go of the negativity, let go of the things that were holding me back, and build my confidence.”

So much so that, before long, Niall got his first job offer. Followed shortly by his second!

“I started off working in a local deli, through a contact at Horizon House. And through that job, a couple of days later, I was offered another job at one of the town’s best restaurants. I worked there as a kitchen hand. It was another great experience that helped me build my confidence,” says Niall.

After a year at Horizon House, Niall decided he wanted to go to uni. He secured a place at Curtin studying a Bachelor of Commerce and transferred to one of the Horizon Houses within easy reach of uni.

While he’s still only in his first year of university, Niall is feeling positive about the future, thanks in no small part to the team at Horizon House.

“They’re just really supportive people,” he says. “They’re there for you while you work out what you want to do. They look out for you and your wellbeing, giving you all the support you need to reach your end goals. You can talk to them, free of judgement. They are understanding. You don’t have to hide things. 

“It’s been so beneficial, allowing me to find my feet. I went from a pretty scared person, unsure if I was making the right decisions, to a more confident person with a plan for the future.”

What would Niall say to any other young people who find themselves in a similar situation to the one he was in, unsure what to do or where to go next?

Niall says, “I’d definitely recommend Horizon House. It’s such a great stepping stone. The more you put into it, the more you get out. It’s a great place and opportunity to advance yourself, to look forward rather than back.”