Scenario 1 - Ellie

Your name is Ellie and you’re 16 years old.

Your Mum is struggling due to mental health issues. She can’t look after you and your younger brother and sister, and your Dad is not around. Your Nana says you can stay with her; however, her flat is very small and there is not enough room for you all.

You decide to stay with a school friend, sleeping on her sofa. Her family is different from yours and you don’t think they would really understand what is going on in your life. You know that your friend’s parents don’t really want you there and don’t want their daughter to ‘hang around’ with you.

You miss your brother and sister, who are staying with Nana, and wish you were all living together. You know money is tight and you worry that they haven’t got the essentials that they need, including food and clothing. You walk to school instead of getting the bus, and normally only have one meal a day to save money. Every day you feel sick with worry.

You’re doing well at school and you really shine in Maths and Science. Your teachers are advising you to stay on to study A’ Levels and consider going to university, but you feel this is just a pipe-dream and you should get a job as soon as possible to support your family.

What would you do next if you were Ellie?

What do we need to do to support Ellie improve her situation?