Iris’s Story

Iris has been part of 1625 Independent People for quite some time, getting involved across a wide range of projects and using her voice to speak up for other young people. A passionate advocate and spokesperson, she brings honesty, insight and lived experience to conversations about youth homelessness and the care system. 

Behind that confidence is a journey shaped by instability, resilience, and perseverance. 

At 19, Iris is clear about one thing: she’s proud of how far she’s come. 

“I’m very proud of myself… now I am very stable. I live in my own flat, I’m working, and I have a really good relationship with my nan.” 

But her journey to stability hasn’t been straightforward. 

“It wasn’t entirely negative… but it wasn’t entirely positive” 

Iris entered care at 14 following a breakdown in family relationships, after living with her nan for most of her childhood, a relationship that remained a constant source of support throughout everything that followed. Her first placement, in Bath, brought a sense of calm during a turbulent time. 

“It was a very good experience… I started understanding my emotions and why I was upset. It made me think, ‘okay, I understand now.’” 

But what followed was a series of moves between placements, often with little notice. 

“I’d be told I was moving and then suddenly… I’m packing my things that same day.” 

Living with constant change 

Over the next few years, Iris moved between multiple homes across the South West, including Keynsham, Weston-super-Mare, and beyond. 

With each move came uncertainty. 

“When you move around so much, it’s like… what’s the point in getting comfortable? You know you’re going to move again.” 

Some placements were positive, where she felt respected and supported. Others were far more challenging. 

“You’re going into other people’s homes. You don’t know what’s allowed, what’s not… it’s awkward.” 

At times, the instability took a toll on her mental health. 

Throughout this period, Iris stayed closely connected to her nan, speaking regularly and finding ways to maintain that relationship even when she was living further away. 

Finding moments of stability 

Despite the challenges, there were moments of connection and care that stayed with her. 

One placement in Weston-super-Mare brought a sense of belonging. 

“She respected me for who I was… it felt like I could actually be myself.” 

Later, Iris moved to Kingswood, where she stayed for over two years, her longest and most stable placement. 

“That was the first time I really felt at home.” 

Even during periods of uncertainty, her relationship with her nan remained a grounding force, something she held onto through every move. 

Education through uncertainty 

Throughout it all, Iris remained in education, often travelling long distances to stay connected to her school in Bristol. 

Her teachers played a crucial role. 

“They were heavily supportive… they’d walk me to the train station, check my trains. They just understood what I needed.” 

While the constant moving did impact her learning at times, the support around her helped her keep going. 

“There’s always positives to negatives” 

Looking back, Iris reflects on her experiences with honesty and perspective. 

“I’m grateful for moving… because I know if I’d stayed where I was, I might not be who I am today.” 

Her journey has shaped not only her resilience, but also her sense of purpose. 

“It helped me be an advocate for those who can’t speak up for themselves.”

A call for understanding 

Iris is passionate about changing how people see young people in care. 

“We’re not doing this because we want to… we’ve had hard lives. People need to be more understanding.” 

She also highlights how sudden moves can affect young people. 

“Try and give them more time. It’s so aggressive otherwise… you’re ripping them away from everything they know.” 

Looking ahead 

Today, Iris is focused on her future, building stability and using her experiences to support others. 

“My experiences helped me be an advocate for those who can’t speak up for themselves.”

She continues to stay close with her nan, a relationship that has been central throughout her journey and remains an important part of her life today. 

Her story is a powerful reminder of the challenges young people in care can face, but also of their strength and resilience.