Name: Ash Cook
Age: 23
Foyer location: Port Adelaide, South Australia
Length of time at Foyer: 8/9 Months
Current work/study situation: I am studying a Bachelor of Social Work full time and I am working part time at IKEA
Prior to moving into the Foyer, I was couch surfing, sleeping in my car or just trying to find anywhere to sleep.; I was unsure if my parent wanted me to be there that night or not. I was only getting $60 a fortnight from Centrelink, and it was very unstable, and I never knew where or what I was going to be doing.
I found out about Foyer through my high school, I had returned to redo year 12 and revealed my situation after keeping it quiet for many years.
The biggest impact was the support from the Foyer through my transition. I got the support with name change, gender change, attending appointments, using my correct names and pronouns to just name a few. This made foyer life in a way, easy. Through this support it helped me to focus on my schooling and learning how to live independently in a stable environment.
Living at Foyer has made me realise what I want to do with my life, I have had so many wonderful opportunities much like this one and from my Foyer life experience made me believe in myself and that I can do anything when I put my mind to it. Without finding Foyer I would be stuck, most likely struggling in the same situation. Not at uni or working at IKEA. I fear I would not be here without their support in all honesty.
I feel like a lot of the time I reflect on the moments where I got support from the Foyer staff in times of deep struggle. Being able to chat with someone, or sit in their office, have them come to my room. I think what I am trying to say is that I am incredibly thankful for two people in particular, Celeste and Felicity.
As a Foyer Ambassador, I want to see more LGBTQIA+ awareness for both young people and staff at Foyers, so that it a safer environment for everyone.
