Emma’s story is one of resilience, rebuilding, and rediscovering her sense of self after years of upheaval. Following a sudden decline in her health at 18 and the loss of both her college place and housing, she spent years navigating Edinburgh’s challenging homelessness system before finally securing a home in 2020, a turning point that allowed her to stabilise and start rebuilding. Joining Venture Scotland later became the catalyst she needed, helping her regain confidence, set boundaries, and reconnect with a life that felt meaningful again.
Things fell apart quite quickly; I had moved from Glasgow to Edinburgh for college when I was 18, but on my very first day I was diagnosed with chronic health conditions. The medication and therapies made it really hard to keep up with college, and eventually they said, “You’re not managing, we’re going to let you go.” But because my house was student accommodation, I lost that too. I had no income because it was tied to going to college, as well. My chronic conditions flare-up with stress, so things got worse.
I spent the next couple of years going through Edinburgh’s homelessness system. The system itself was topsy-turvy – they kicked me off the housing list because I didn’t respond to a letter – but I was homeless, I didn’t have an address! I only found out by going into the office to ask what was happening. I had to appeal that decision, thankfully with help from Crisis and Shelter who were great, and helped me to get back on the list.
In 2020, I finally got my house. It’s amazing how the security of a roof over your head makes things better. Slowly, I started to build things up and become more of myself, again. I was able to manage my health better because I had somewhere to live. But I’d spent so long not doing anything and being treated quite badly, I didn’t feel like a person, just yet. After a lot of beating down I was beginning to do a little building back up, but I felt like I needed something more to push me forward.
I heard about Venture Scotland through a friend, so I looked at the website and read the case studies, and because Venture Scotland support right up to 30 years old, I could join. Having been a young carer, going through diagnoses at 18, and homelessness for years after – being able to do something like this closer to 30 means the world.
When I first came in, I was really nervous because it felt like the beginning of the beginning, I was worried everything was going to zoom off, really quickly, but meeting Louisa was lovely. It was informal, just having a conversation over a cup of tea, and then I met Beth – it was built up gradually.
That being said, meeting the group was still intimidating! We were such a mix of ages and backgrounds – but that’s also what made it interesting. It took a bit of time, and we were all just trying to figure out where we fit, but the group was a nice bunch and as we did the VS things, and started to settle in, we built those relationships over time.
My programme took place throughout the winter months, and I actually loved that – this is the first year literally ever, that I have not had a complete mental health dip. I’ve always managed to scrape myself back out of it – but this year it really felt like I didn’t fall into that dip, which was incredible!
The hardest part was learning to advocate for myself within the group. With chronic health conditions, it can feel like you’re often the one saying, “Actually, I can’t do this,” which is really hard, especially when it might affect others. Finding where and how to say ‘no’, while still feeling like I was part of the group felt quite challenging, but learning to set those boundaries for myself is probably also the thing that I will take into my outside life. I’m already using these skills with some family stuff that’s going on for me at the moment, I’m feeling more confident in holding my ground and looking after myself. It’s definitely still an ongoing learning that is slowly seeping throughout my life.
I think, having been permanently signed off is really hard. I spent a long time trying to persuade myself more than anyone else, that I do contribute to society, because I do all these things…but I’ve spent so long thinking certain things aren’t for me because of my conditions, so I really needed the personal win that VS provided! Sometime after the first Bothy trip, I realised that I was managing to consistently show up for the programme and I really started to feel my confidence grow! So when I got my certificate – I was showing it to everyone – it’s actually framed, on my wall! It had been so long since I had that sense of accomplishment and that ‘I did it!’ feeling.
My confidence has grown so much that since the programme ending, I have started to speak to the Job Centre to find out about what I am allowed or entitled to do – I have never dared to ask before, I was so terrified of the whole situation, and potentially losing the support that I have! But it turns out that I can volunteer as much as I like, and even work a little, so I’ve been looking into advocacy and it sounds great because it’s very much what I love to do anyway, so I’m thinking I’ll try some volunteering, maybe do a course. I’m nervous but very excited about what comes next.
I feel like I’m back to being a person again. And that’s everything.
If you’d like to join one of our programmes, or know someone who would, you can contact us at admin@venturescotland.org.uk and provide us with some information about your location and your preferred contact details. We’ll then put you in touch with our Outreach and Support Worker in your area.
If you’d like to support Venture Scotland, you can sign up for our mailing list here to stay informed about upcoming fundraising and volunteering opportunities, or visit this page to learn about the fundraising opportunities available for this year.