"I would still be homeless if it wasn't for the Foundation": 2025 Impact Report
- Daniel Gallagher
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Rhiannon Leathwood found herself homeless at 22-years-old until she went to Harbour House and was referred to the Foundation's Employability, Education and Skills (EE&S) team.
Natasha Green, our EE&S Manager, has been supporting Rhiannon for eight months and has been with her every step of the way throughout her new journey.
Rhiannon shared that she: "Ended up in the position of needing the Foundation's help because I ended up homeless. Harbour House and Fylde Council told me about the Foundation and how it can help me.
"I was nervous and I was scared when I was first introduced to the Foundation, I was frightened. I struggle to talk to people, I struggle to trust people and commit. I didn't trust Natasha, so I was stomping around and I wouldn't give her the time of day.
"I thought she would just give up and she didn't actually care about me. But once I started seeing her every week I learnt that she does care, that she's not going to give up and she will help you to achieve your hopes and dreams."
Rhiannon moved into her very own flat a couple of months ago and is now studying a Level Two Mechanics course at Blackpool and Fylde College with the hopes of becoming a mechanic one day and potentially owning her own garage.
She said: "The course is rejogging my memory of what I've missed and is helping me remember [how to be a mechanic] so when I go into a garage I know what I'm doing and I'm not going to mess anything up.
"I've always had an interest in cars, I love taking things apart and putting them back together.
"My dream end goal is to own my own garage and be self employed, my own boss and have my own business with my own cars."
Rhiannon told the Foundation: "Now I'm myself, I'm confident, I'm positive - it's [the Foundation has] helped me massively change who I am.
"I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for the Foundation's help."
Sarah Yates, a support worker at Harbour House, who developed a good relationship with Rhiannon, said: "If you had met her six months ago, she was a completely different person. So moody, well not so moody but a little bit moody, very closed off, but when she went she was so proud and open, like two different people really."
Sarah explained why Natasha's support is so beneficial to the people of Harbour House: "We encourage all our residents to engage with the Foundation. It's a friendly face, a familiar face that they see every single week.
"Natasha explains what she is there to do and what the Foundation is there for, and that she will reach out to colleges and employers and help out with their CV.
"She takes the time to find out what they want to do and what they enjoy doing and build around the conversations and the relationship she has built with the individuals."
Sarah continued to explain that "The relationship that Natasha has with the residents, she's really open from the moment they meet her.
"Some of them might be a bit guarded initially but you can see the growth over time. Natasha will have a laugh and a joke with them, you can see her build a relationship."
Rhiannon has completely turned her life around in the space of the year, because she wasn't afraid to accept help and willingly engaged with the Foundation.
The 22-year-old said: "My family are proud of where I've come. They've all said that life is difficult, it throws objects in the way - you don't give up and you overcome them to become someone today.
We are delighted that Rhiannon has willingly shared her story with you, it reflects the true impact the Foundation can have on someone.
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