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Edges shares a recent letter

Re: Edges

I write to share my story with your team. I picked up 'Edges' at my local church (Ealing Abbey).

I have a couple of aims -

• To put you briefly in the picture
• To find out if your project can help my son

Aaron is 171/2 - he is homeless with a drug and other coping problems - He went into care when he was twelve - till then he had lived with us as a family. Mum, Dad, Sister Alice, Sister Lorna, Brother Garry.

He had been having problems at school also staying out for up to 6 days with no contact with us at home. During his time in care he was moved five times in 41/2 years with as many social workers. He came home for short periods twice - these attempts to reintegrate with the family broke down. He was not in school most of these 4 years. He got a job and a room - supported by his older sister - that lasted 4 months. He became homeless and since August of this year he has been in temporary B&B. During the last 8 months I see Aaron becoming more and more hopeless, depressed, frustrated, angry, apathetic with very low self-esteem. He does appear at home now and then.

We talk - He will sometimes shower and change his clothes.
He is always hungry - He rarely laughs or smiles.

He can be very calm and reasonable - although I have been aware in the last couple of weeks he seems very depressed and talks of suicide more and more. He is in a catch 22 situation - he can't get organised till he has a permanent address - he gets very angry with himself.

It is a nightmare. He says he just wants to be 'Put away' or 'End it all'. He says he is 'Scum' and 'Thick'. He is having very bad nightmares. I wonder if EDGES can suggest anything to help me help Aaron to begin again. His Dad has washed his hands of him, after repeated attempts to help Aaron. He has just cut himself off from being involved with his lifestyle and behaviour. His older brother and sister have left home and are getting on with their own life. His younger sister is fifteen and she sees Aaron when he drops in. They get on well. I struggle between my constant worry for Aaron's health and safety - I am always anxious about Aaron.

I've tried to give an all round account of his desperate circumstances. Maybe you can help - with some fresh ideas. Over the last five years I've spent a lot of time linking with various agencies, counsellors, education, doctors, and social services. I have received a lot of sympathy, but sadly very little practical advice.

I am always searching for a key to open a door for my son to build a better life for him- I don't want him to be so unhappy or dead.

Yours Sincerely
Maureen Sweeney (Mum)