Dan has ambition and his life is now back on track
A determined young man from Louth has turned his back on his troubled past and is now looking to the future with an ambition to be in the Territorial Army.
Dan Machin was 17 years when he bravely asked East Lindsey District Council for support. Dan had been staying on friends’ sofas for five months after being forced to leave home because of violent outbursts against his brother. At the time he was also being given support for his Asperger’s Syndrome, anxiety and ADHD.
After making contact with the District Council, Dan was initially supported through the Council’s Nightstop Scheme and was assigned an Intensive Housing Support Officer to help through the initial crisis. Dan was then appointed a General Housing Support Officer to help him move forward.
Dan explained: "Life had become hard and although my friends let me crash on their sofas I was keen to get my life back on track and make something of myself. I think I met two of the most amazing people in my Support Workers, Maddie West and Christine Yates, and have learnt a lot about life skills as a result."
Nightstop was launched in East Lindsey in 2008 as another support mechanism for young people. The scheme provides up to five nights accommodation for those aged between 16 and 25 when life becomes tough. Nightstop keeps the young person safe and in a family environment whilst allowing the District Council time to find more permanent accommodation. Volunteers allow the young person access to their home and provide food and a friendly listening ear.
Dan’s Intensive Housing Support Officer, Maddie, said: "The priority for us is always to ensure the young person is safe and has somewhere to stay. We then look at the broader needs and how we can help address these. Dan is a great lad and I’m sure he’ll do well in the future."
Dan is now studying a sports and leisure course at Grimsby College and has taken up boxing, which has helped him focus his thoughts. He has also moved into his own flat, has a girlfriend and has an interview arranged for the Territorial Army. He said: "It has been quite surreal how kind and helpful everyone has been."
Portfolio Holder for Housing Support, Councillor John Upsall, said: "Dan is just one example of the many people in similar situations who we’re helping across East Lindsey. At the moment we’re regularly reading about the issues affecting Government on national and local levels but I think this is a timely reminder that Councils are providing some of the most important support services available to the community. I wish Dan luck in his ambition to join the TA and would encourage other people in a similar position to contact us if they require support."
If you would like to become a Nightstop volunteer or to find out more information, please contact Helen Henning on 01507 601111 or e-mail helen.henning@e-lindsey.gov.uk The District Council provides Volunteers with training and pays a small allowance for each night a young person stays.
