She was homeless for years, but now Laura is climbing career ladder with the charity that helped her

After being homeless for six years, Laura Fieber is in a career, about to buy a house and get married - thanks to the Sheffield charity Nomad Open Doors.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

“I was one of the hidden homeless,” said Laura, now aged 27 and a housing officer with the charity.

“I was constantly on the move. Only the kindness of friends who offered me their sofas kept me from sleeping on the streets. I wouldn’t have dared to dream about the life I have now.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Laura, who lives in Hoyland Common, Barnsley, had an unhappy childhood in Scunthorpe and fell into depression aged just seven. She left home at 16 and at 18 moved to Sheffield to live with a boyfriend. When the relationship ended, Laura was homeless again.

Apprentice Laura Fieber continues on her road to success with help from tutor Nick BellamyApprentice Laura Fieber continues on her road to success with help from tutor Nick Bellamy
Apprentice Laura Fieber continues on her road to success with help from tutor Nick Bellamy
Read More
Major renovation of 200-year-old Sheffield church reaches completion

Her mental health problems had worsened by the time she was referred to Nomad, which helps people transition out of homelessness and develop skills through education, employment, training or volunteering.

Laura’s sup port worker Karen Awdhali, who is now her boss, found accommodation for her and became a mentor, encouraging her to volunteer with Mencap, then with Nomad itself.

Laura’s commitment and intelligence shone and eventually she landed a paid role as a Nomad Project Support Officer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Laura is now building her future through study. She gained an NVQ Level 2 qualification in Challenging Behaviours with Sheffield training providers The Source Skills Academy online during Covid-19 lockdown, and is about to begin a one-year Level Three apprenticeship which qualifies her to become a team leader

“We are so proud of Laura. She’s a valued member of the team,” said Karen, who is now Nomad’s Head of Services.

“When she asked to study for a team leader qualification I went to The Source. They suggested an apprenticeship, which meant 95 per cent of the training costs are funded.”

Said Laura: “This will be the highest qualification I’ve ever had and will help me grow my career. My job gives me security, self-esteem and a future. I can buy my own home, plan my wedding and help people who are where I was in life.”

FROM THE EDITOR

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.