Against the odds, Leah's story

“Hi, I am a 24 year old female, I was diagnosed with Asperger’s and ADHD four years ago.

I have overcome many barriers in life; including being disowned by my father who I was very close to, having no support from my family and being made homeless twice.

I was 19 when I was first made homeless. I was taken into Solihull college student accommodation and worked with some amazing tutors, who supported me to study Early Years from Level 1 to Level 6.

But this time last year, I had a very difficult time.

I was made homeless again after my student accommodation was demolished. I wasn’t given any support from social services or my family.

I was left on my own and told to quit education to receive support. I fought against this and moved around, staying at other people’s houses.

All of this had a big impact on my health. I struggled with the changes and all of my things being boxed up. This went on for half a year, until I was finally helped to get a council flat.

Through living here I managed to complete my degree and received a 2:1 overall.

I now have my BA degree in Early Years and have a learning support assistant job working in mainstream school with a child with autism.

I have overcome many difficult challenges in my life. Without the support from a small amount of tutors I wouldn’t be where I am today.

They have supported me to study my course and degree at Solihull College and supported me through all the barriers I have come across.

They have helped me understand myself and the learning strategies to help me deal with the difficult changes, allowing me to be the person I am today.”

We decided to leave Leah’s story in her own words; she’s a strong young woman who has overcome more than anyone should have.