Melissa's Story

I can’t go into detail but there was a big conflict in the family which caused us to totally breakdown. I was living in Somerset but when it happened my Mum took me in London to stay with a friend and left me there. I can’t go back. Stayed there 1 week and but then had to declare myself homeless and eventually I got a place in a YMCA in West London. I was being nosy and going through the activities diary in reception one day when I saw that this company called Cardboard Citizens were going to come in to do a drama workshop. I’d done some drama before and loved it so really I was looking forward to it happening for months before the workshop!

My proudest moments?  Going on tour with Off the Shelf when Cardboard Citizens worked in collaboration with the Roundhouse; and also when I was doing professional work with Tony, involved in training in human rights for Irish Travellers and Migrant Women (as part of British Institute of Human Rights’ Poverty project). I felt part of the Company. The arts can help homeless people realise that they actually have issues and that they can deal with them. You can acknowledge them in the workshops and then deal with them outside. I didn’t realise that what I’d been through wasn’t normal. ACT NOW was a good opportunity to feel less alone and to get support from other young people who had been through similar.

In 10 years time I want to be qualified and working as a Director – Theatre or Film – have my first kid and be married/settled. I just got engaged actually! I feel like since getting involved with Cardboard Citizens I’m much more professional, focussed and less easily distracted. I feel confident and happy to work with different people from all different backgrounds. Cardboard Citizens made me realise I didn’t deal with my own emotions and it was time to get help – so now I’m getting Counselling around what I’ve experienced. I want to face my problems.