Michael's New Start at RKdia

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March 2006

Michael finds Opportunities at RKdia

Michael Gregory was 17 when he left home and moved into a Bed & Breakfast. His parents were divorced; his education was blighted by learning difficulties and his prospects looked bleak. But in November 2004 Michael was given a flat at RKdia, the youth housing scheme launched by Drum Housing Association in partnership with East Hampshire District Council. A year later he has been entered for a community award for voluntary work and has been taken on, as a trainee, by Drums own Maintenance and Landscape team.

Michael has found new opportunities through RKdia; ғGetting my flat at RKdia was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. It has made a huge difference having my own space, in a safe environment with support whenever I have needed it.

On arriving at RKdia Michael embarked on a ten-point plan to help him develop skills for life. The course included managing bills, budgeting, looking after the home, job applications and interview skills. His adaptation was spectacular.

Project Manager Chris Adams was impressed with Michael; ԓHe settled in very
quickly, Chris explains, ԓNothing seemed to be too much trouble for him and he mastered the ten point plan immediately. Michael started to help us out regularly with community functions and we soon started to rely on his support.

In January 2006 Michael was entered for a Volunteer Award from East Hampshire District Council. Soon after this, Chris recommended he went onto the GovernmentԒs New Deal programme and proposed him as a trainee for Drums own Maintenance and Landscape team.

ғIt became glaringly obvious that he would be an asset to any team. Our grounds maintenance department wasted no time in snapping him up.

RKdia is an award winning operation that has helped hundreds of young people like Michael to prepare themselves for employment and life in the modern world. The operation relies on generating income from their on-site cafԩ, catering services, conference and meeting facilities to maintain their youth housing service.

Michael Gregory with the Drum Housing Association Grounds Maintenance van