Alexandra Reynolds

10th October 2024

Sanctuary Supported Living

Young woman with mid-length hair in front of a bush full of pink flowers, clasping her hands together and smiling for the camera.

Alexandra Reynolds, Project Worker at Weston Foyer

Alex, who once faced her own struggles as a tenant at Weston Foyer, now works as a Project Worker, helping young people navigate their pathways for independence.

At just 16, Alex moved into Sanctuary Supported Living’s Weston Foyer. A difficult childhood, made worse by her parents' struggles with addiction, had left her feeling isolated, hopeless, and battling severe depression. She recalls, "I couldn’t go out; I didn’t speak to anyone. I felt like there was no way out and turned to drugs to escape."

Even after moving into the Foyer, she found herself caring for her younger sister, who was still living at home, while also trying to support her father, who was struggling with alcoholism after the tragic death of another sibling. The pressure was immense for a 16-year-old. "It felt so unfair, and I couldn’t cope. I was being let down by the very people who should have been looking after me."

With support from staff, she began to open up about her experiences. "My keyworker was patient and helped me feel safe enough to talk about everything that was going on," she says. Through these conversations, Alex gained the emotional and practical support that had been lacking at home, as well as the confidence to seek further help, accessing counselling and therapy through the NHS.

"Every day, you get to help young people rewrite their stories, and there’s nothing better than seeing someone take control of their life again.”

Alexandra Reynolds, Project Worker at Weston Foyer

"I began to understand that while I couldn’t control what had happened in the past, I could change how I responded to it," Alex reflects. Slowly, her mental health improved, and she found a sense of community at the Foyer. "It wasn’t just a safe and secure place to live - it was my home. The other tenants and staff became like a family to me. That support was exactly what I needed to turn my life around." The unwavering encouragement helped her rediscover her self-worth and pursue her dream of becoming a performer in musical theatre. Alex eventually moved out in 2007, ready to face the world on her own.

In 2010, while raising her two-year-old daughter, life took another turn. As she was living independently in her own home, Alex was instead able to access the Foyer’s community-based floating support team, who provided the additional support she needed. During this time, she continued to face challenges related to her family members' addictions, but her keyworkers were there to offer consistent guidance and stability, helping her manage these difficulties week by week. It was during these sessions that the idea of a future career with Sanctuary Supported Living began to take shape.

So, when an opportunity arose to return to Weston Foyer – this time as a Project Worker - Alex knew she couldn’t turn it down. She said: “Joining the team at Weston Foyer was a dream come true. It felt like coming home, but this time, I could give back and help others on their journey.” Now, Alex supports a diverse range of individuals, including young people and young parents who may be facing challenges relating to mental ill-health, learning disabilities, homelessness, or domestic abuse. Her personal experiences as a former tenant give her a unique ability to relate to her clients, who appreciate that she has faced similar struggles. Seeing how far she has come encourages them to trust her more closely and inspires them to pursue their own goals with renewed determination.

One of the most satisfying aspects of Alex’s role is witnessing the positive changes in the lives of young people at Weston Foyer. A standout moment for her was supporting a resident who had been isolated and struggling to find a purpose. In partnership with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, she helped him secure an opportunity to work with the British Horse Society, which rekindled his passion for horses. Reflecting on this experience, she says, “Seeing the spark return to his eyes and watching him thrive in an environment that brought him joy was one of the best feelings I’ve had while working at the Foyer.”

Her dedication and impact have not gone unnoticed. Alex won the Best Support Worker Award at the national Housing with Care Awards this year, a moment that stands as a testament to her commitment and the profound difference she has made in the lives of so many young people. She said: “Receiving that recognition was incredibly validating, not just for me, but for the entire team. It reminded me of why I started this journey in social care and why I continue to push forward in my career.”

For anyone considering a role at Sanctuary Supported Living, Alex offered a heartfelt recommendation: “This role challenges you to grow as much as it encourages you to bring out the best in others. Every day, you get to help young people rewrite their stories, and there’s nothing better than seeing someone take control of their life again.”

For more information about a career with Sanctuary Supported Living and the variety of roles we offer, see our jobs page.