At Keys, every young person’s journey is different, and at Chapel House we are proud to be part of stories that show just what can happen when patience, care and consistency come together.
Elliot* came to Chapel House in August 2023 from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, his life before arriving had been unsettled, moving in and out of foster care and returning to his mum, who lived with schizophrenia. At the time, Elliot had not been in education for 18 months and had barely left his home for almost a year, his days and nights were reversed, gaming through the night and sleeping during the day, the idea of change felt overwhelming.
When the Deputy Manager and Senior support worker from Chapel House first visited him at home in London, they were met with frustration and resistance, rather than pushing, they simply sat with him, made light conversation and shared a cup of tea. Two weeks later, they returned, this time emotions were higher, as Elliot struggled with the thought of leaving his mum. The team reassured him that the transition would be fine but he insisted he wouldn’t come, the following day, Elliot arrived at Chapel House.
From the very beginning, Elliot was given control over his space, he chose a monochrome black and white theme for his bedroom, complete with LED lighting and open wardrobes, it became more than just a room, it was a place where he felt comfortable, safe and in control.
With time and support, Elliot began to rebuild his routine and started with online tutoring this allowed him to slowly reengaged with learning, focusing on Maths and English before moving into a local school placement. With personalised incentives in place, including the chance to earn gaming furniture, his attendance rose to 70%, a significant milestone that reflected his growing commitment and confidence.
Alongside education, Elliot was supported to focus on his wellbeing, he began attending the gym and took part in activities such as walking, hiking and climbing. One of his proudest achievements was climbing Snowdon with peers and staff, something that once would have felt impossible.
As Elliot settled, he began to explore his identity more deeply, he expressed a wish to practice Islam, and the team supported him every step of the way, helping him attend a local mosque, providing a Quran and prayer mat, and supporting him through Ramadan. Ensuring access to halal food was another important part of helping Elliot feel respected and understood.
Over time, Elliot found his voice, through consistent support and key working sessions, he developed the confidence to attend his looked after child reviews and personal education plan meetings, speaking with professionals and advocating for himself. When he felt overwhelmed, the team worked with him to find safe ways to manage his emotions, football became his outlet, whether in the cold or the sunshine, kicking a ball with staff helped him channel frustration into something positive.
Elliot’s progress did not go unnoticed, he received an award for one of the most achieved young people in Kensington and Chelsea, a moment that reflected just how far he had come, with growing confidence, he began taking part in residential trips and embracing new experiences.
After 18 months at Chapel House, Elliot made the decision to take his next step into foster care, with careful planning, a placement was found that matched his cultural needs and personal preferences. A gradual transition, including visits and overnight stays, helped him feel ready, in February 2025, with the support of the management team, Elliot moved into his new home, they helped him settle in, set up his room, and shared a final lunch together before their saying goodbyes.
Even then, the relationship didn’t end, Elliot stayed in touch with the team through weekly calls and monthly visits, ensuring he continued to feel supported as he moved forward.
Elliot’s story is one of resilience, trust and transformation, a powerful reminder that with the right support, young people can rediscover themselves, rebuild a brighter future and achieve more than they ever thought possible.
