HOMELESS TEEN: ‘I was seven months pregnant and walking the streets’

When Emma Jones* was 19, she became pregnant with her son. At seven months pregnant, her mother kicked her out because she didn’t approve of the pregnancy due to her religious beliefs. Emma’s local council couldn’t find her a hostel, so she was on the streets. When Closer last spoke to Emma, she was still pregnant and living in a homeless shelter.

She told Closer, “It’s terrifying. I still can’t believe what happened to me. One moment

I had everything – a job as a carer for the elderly, which I loved, a boyfriend, and a comfortable home.

“But when I got pregnant, it all went wrong.

I’d just split up with my boyfriend of two years, as he suffered from depression and couldn’t cope with a relationship. And I had to stop working, because I was so sick all the time and I couldn’t do any of the lifting.

“I tried to hide my pregnancy from my mum, because I knew how angry she’d be, but at five months I had to tell her. She couldn’t cope with what I’d done, as she’s very religious. She gave me two months to find somewhere else to live, but I couldn’t afford a deposit for private rental and the council couldn’t find anywhere for me.

“My best friend Charlotte wanted to help, but she’s living in a one-bedroom flat with her boyfriend and a new baby, so they haven’t got room for me.

“I was lucky that I haven’t literally had to sleep on the streets, as I found a shelter that had a bed for night times. But it’s closed during the day, so I walk the streets, desperately trying to work out what to do. Patting my bump helps me feel a bit better, as at least I’m not completely alone.”