Daniel
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Daniel is the eldest of four children. His mother and
father married when they were young and made it clear that he
wasn't wanted, abusing him both verbally and physically. His father
thought nothing of hitting him regularly with anything that he
could find. Daniel often found himself regularly locked out of the
house. There were many nights when Daniel had no choice but to roam
the streets.
Attacked with an iron
Things came to head when Daniel was 18. One morning while
getting ready for work, his father flew into a rage and started to
hit Daniel, punching him hard in the face and even hitting him with
an iron. Injured and scared, he knew he could not stay at home.
Daniel tried staying with relatives and friends, but soon found
himself homeless and alone.
Feeling warm inside
Daniel was referred to Centrepoint where he had a cosy bed
in a warm, safe room that he could call his own. He quickly relaxed
and made good friends with both the staff and with others who were
in similar situations to his own.
More than just a room
Daniel soon took advantage of the kitchen, with the
enticing food smells encouraging him to learn how to cook and put a
shopping budget together. Talking with his support and development
worker has made him want to take on more responsibility and he is
taking part in workshops, with a view to going to
college.
Making plans
Daniel loves being in the kitchen and is always learning
new dishes to show off. He's delighted to have been accepted for a
horticultural course.