Stories for International Women’s Day 2026, celebrating our Women’s & Non-Binary Space.
“I was fleeing domestic violence, and I became homeless because of it.”
Like many of the young women we support, and 11% of young people experiencing homelessness in the UK, Edil was pushed into homelessness when she was fleeing domestic violence.
Edil, aged 24, came to New Horizon for the first time during Women’s & Non-binary Space, a protected session dedicated to supporting young women like her.
“Kate [Women’s Youth Worker] was the first person I met. She’s been helping me in general with housing, Council Tax, and Universal Credit. All of it.”
Our Women’s & Non-binary Space allows our specialist Women’s Youth Worker to provide targeted support to those who are most vulnerable and who may not feel able to access our centre or other mixed gender services. Edil comes most weeks, usually by roller skating.
“Women’s Space means being able to be comfortable being myself, and not worrying about men being there and taking over the space. There are a lot of guys compared to girls that come to the centre, so it’s always quite packed because of them.”
Through this safe and dedicated space, young women and non-binary people can then connect with our wider support, including help with jobs, education and training, and mental health support.
“Holly [Counsellor], she’s great when it comes to being able to talk to someone. Helping us get through what we’re going through and not feeling like we’re alone in this.”
Since coming to New Horizon, Edil says she feels more creative and able to express herself.
“I’ve done more artsy stuff recently. The majority of the time I come, it’s to women’s space, and we’re always doing something like making keychains or making badges. I’m always doing something to express myself.”
“I think keychain making is something I’d try myself or even just adding as a thing me and my friends could do as a little group.”
Edil is now in temporary accommodation.
“I got lucky. My studio is quite big, and it’s not like shared housing. It’s really taught me to be more independent. I feel safe.”
Edil has also received support from our Resettlement Worker, a specialist who helps young people settle into accommodation, maintain their tenancy, and build the skills they need for independent living.
“Rachel’s [Resettlement Worker] been helping me to get my arrears down. When I first moved in, I was a student, so it was quite hard for me to pay rent and attend university.”
In the future, Edil would like to complete her qualification to teach snowboarding and teach abroad with Snow Camp, which she was introduced to be one of our partner organisations Coram Fields.
“My plan is to save money. I want to get my full qualification [to teach snow boarding], but that costs money. So eventually save up enough money and teach abroad.”
About New Horizon Edil said,
“They give young people opportunities they didn’t know they could get. You can actually go somewhere, like you’re not just going to be stuck on the streets, wondering when you’re going to have your next meal or if you’re going to be able to afford to pay rent.”
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Parts from a collage made for International Women’s Day made by young people at Women’s & Non-Binary Space
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