Chrystal has taken care of her mum on and off since she was a child.
Her mum has epilepsy, dementia, arthritis and a severe anxiety disorder. Unlike many young carers who grow up not having much time for themselves, she was able to follow her passion for dance and went to university.
After graduating, Chrystal moved back home, but her mum’s needs became unmanageable and she was taken into care. However, Chrystal was forced to leave their home.
“I was basically made homeless, they wouldn’t allow me to stay on the tenancy without my mum. So my support worker referred me to Move On Up.”
Chrystal
Move On Up is Quaker Social Action’s innovative shared housing project in east London, that combines independent housing, affordable rent and up to 24 months’ tailored support for young carers aged 18 to 25.
The project has given Chrystal the opportunity to focus on herself, learn how to budget and live independently. Sharing a home with other young carers, as well as the help received from the Move On Up team, provided a supportive community in which she could work through issues and look to the future.
“I have more time for myself, I am able to do more things, and I’m able to concentrate on my dance work. I want to focus on my career so I can reach the goals that I want to achieve in the coming years.” Chrystal