It’s hard to believe that only a couple of years ago Kate Wilson was homeless, after leaving home at 16 and moving from hostel to hostel. “I tried to get into education loads of times,” says Kate, “but it’s difficult without a settled place to live.”

Eventually she found a place in Torbay Foyer, run by Devon and Cornwall Housing Association. It was to prove a turning point.

“The Foyer gave me the motivation to do something with my life,” says Kate. “I started studying and I now have a football coaching qualification. I’ve just moved into a flat of my own and I’m studying for A levels. None of this would have been possible without the Foyer.”

And through the Foyer Kate saw a chance to take part in the Homeless World Cup in South Africa earlier this year. She didn’t make it into the team but she was offered a role as a journalist for the event.

“Reporting was great,” she says. “And now I want to help other young people. I’d like to be a mentor to others – sometimes people just need a bit of a kick start to get going.”

The experience will also help her find a job, she says. “Now people have heard of me and, when I apply for jobs, they won’t hold it against me that I’ve been homeless and have gaps in my CV.”