In a heartfelt address at the recent LandAid SleepOut, Tyler Attack, once a Look Ahead customer and now a key member of our staff team, captivated a crowd of property sector professionals with his inspiring story of overcoming homelessness. The annual fundraiser, organised by LandAid – the property industry’s charity – aims to support organisations tackling youth homelessness, including Look Ahead.
This year’s event saw between 200 and 300 volunteers spend a chilly night in the car park of Westfield Shopping Centre in White City, all determined to raise vital funds for the cause. Tyler, now part of Look Ahead’s Practice Development team, returned as a special guest speaker for the second year running, sharing his personal journey and the impact of vital impact of support services on young people facing homelessness.
Addressing an eager audience, Tyler recounted his experiences as a young person at risk of homelessness and the transformative role Look Ahead played in his life. “I was very fortunate that I didn’t have to spend a day on the street,” he reflected, explaining that his local council placed him into a Look Ahead service around his 18th birthday. “For the first time in my life, I was able to have my own space,” Tyler said, noting the value of 24-hour support and a dedicated support worker during that period.
Tyler also described how engaging with Look Ahead’s Co-Production team helped him build confidence, eventually leading to work with the National Expert Influencing Forum at Expert Link. His contributions, drawing on his own lived experience, played a part in discussions with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government regarding the Supported Housing Regulatory Oversight Act.
He emphasised the significance of popular fundraiser event to the audience, saying, “What you guys are doing today means that services can be there for young people in crisis. It also means they can offer opportunities to people like me. I’m in paid employment now, which felt like a pipe dream when I first entered the service.”
Tyler’s speech was met with resounding applause, with Look Ahead staff expressing immense pride in his achievements, not only since he first accessed support, but also in the twelve months since his last appearance at the SleepOut. The event served as a powerful reminder of the life-changing potential of funded support services and the importance of continued action against youth homelessness.
Congratulations to Tyler on his continued success and for inspiring others to make a difference.
For more information on how Look Ahead support young people affected by homelessness, please click here.
For more information on LandAid please visit LandAid – The property industry charity.
Related news
Experts in mental health, disabilities, homelessness & youth support
Local MP visits Barnsley Street Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre
Felix brightens up the holidays at Look Ahead
