Wheatsheaf’s Project Coordinator, Lizzie Chainey, was invited on to Radio Solent’s Julian Clegg’s breakfast programme to take part in an interview with struggling student Tiffany Ridd last Monday, 16 November.

Tiffany was 16 when she was made homeless by her mother who was suffering from mental illness. Now 20, Tiffany is in the second and final year studying for an NVQ3 qualification in Childcare at Southampton City College.

But as she’s not at university, isn’t a lone parent and does not have a disability, Tiffany is not eligible for government financial support. After paying rent her job in a fast food restaurant leaves her £25 in a good week, and now behind in her rent Tiffany admits  to having considered giving up her course.

Lizzie was invited to participate by BBC journalist, Jo Palmer, in an ongoing series of interviews organised to look at issues faced by young people who have been left to ‘fall through the cracks’ (Lizzie).

Lizzie continues, ‘One size does not fit all. The government supports those who do certain things at certain times. If people are at the wrong age or doing things at the wrong time there is no support.’

As was made clear in the interview, Tiffany would be better off financially if she gave up her course and her job and began claiming benefits.

Lizzie: ‘Tiffany is doing all the right things, but at the wrong  time in terms of the system. She couldn’t study at 16 because she was made homeless and is now being penalised instead of applauded for wanting to study and make a life for herself. Tiffany was brought up in a family on benefits and is adamant that this is not the life  she wants but the irony is that at the moment she would actually be better off on benefits rather than trying to help herself!’

As a result of meeting Lizzie at the interview, Tiffany is now a client at Wheatsheaf and Lizzie will be trying to help her  to find a more financially stable way of financing her way through college.

And further good news  for Tiffany is that having had the courage to speak out about her situation on radio, various benefactors have contacted Radio Solent and offered to  pay off part of her housing debt!

But the issue remains that although Tiffany will be receiving support there are many more in her position still ‘falling through the cracks’.