From Homeless
To Hopeful
Meet 20-year-old Caitlin. Caitlin suffered from poor mental health and experienced homelessness, but since discovering photography she feels more at ease with her history and the battles she fought. Her story shows her journey from homeless to hopeful.
For her Skills section, Caitlin learned camera and video techniques –even using a drone on her DofE walks and interviewing team mates to capture their experience. She built upon what she learned studying photography at Darlington College and the skills she gained from taking part in in the DofE’s Photographers Without Limits.
Passionate about photography, the course taught her new skills and gave her the chance to share her story with others. Through her pictures Caitlin is intent on sharing the message that even when you feel as though you’re at rock bottom, there is a way forward. With the right support and encouragement you can fulfil your dreams.
Caitlin's world fell apart when her parents found new partners. She felt unwanted and didn't know who to talk or turn to.
Caitlin's world fell apart when her parents found new partners. She felt unwanted and didn't know who to talk or turn to.
Caitlin's journey was long, and her mood was low. She was living in darkness, but she could see light and something to look forward to.
Caitlin's journey was long, and her mood was low. She was living in darkness, but she could see light and something to look forward to.
She regained hope at the YMCA.
She regained hope at the YMCA.
Caitlin didn't have much money but now with her job she is saving. She can see the change.
Caitlin didn't have much money but now with her job she is saving. She can see the change.
A note describing how Caitlin felt when she was homeless.
A note describing how Caitlin felt when she was homeless.
Caitlin had nothing to do but watch the minutes slowly tick by.
Caitlin has been through a lot, and it's not always been clean and tidy. Sometimes it can be a bit rough.
It was a dark and dingy time, but Caitlin could see light at the end of the tunnel.
Caitlin slept on streets like this.
She was unsure of herself and where she was going.
“I’m hoping my pictures, my story, will show people that no matter how low things get, when you’re at rock bottom with no hope or dreams, you can come back from it.”
During her darkest times she held onto nature, taking solace in how it grows and changes.
During her darkest times she held onto nature, taking solace in how it grows and changes.
Caitlin is on a journey. She is now in a place where she can enjoy life with her new partner.
Caitlin is on a journey. She is now in a place where she can enjoy life with her new partner.
She now enjoys having fun and exploring new places with her boyfriend.
She now enjoys having fun and exploring new places with her boyfriend.
Caitlin feels she is now blossoming and has hope for the future.
Caitlin feels she is now blossoming and has hope for the future.
Her confidence grew, she has a new job working for the YMCA supporting young people in similar situations to her own.
Her confidence grew, she has a new job working for the YMCA supporting young people in similar situations to her own.
Caitlin now feels hopeful each new day.
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