Gateshead man who was previously homeless turned his life around to run his own business
by Owen Younger · ChronicleLiveA man from Gateshead who was previously homeless is now running his own business after turning his life around.
Fedai Feddo, 50, is now back on his feet, running his business which sells Mediterranean and natural items, including bath bombs and soaps, at Manor Walks Shopping Centre in Cramlington.
Fedai, from Gateshead, is gearing up for a busy festive period ahead selling the individual handmade products, traditional gift boxes and hampers. However, five years ago, it was a very different situation for dad-of-one Fedai.
A former graduate of the University of Istanbul and former owner of a business overseas; he was made to flee his Turkish homeland due to political persecution, leaving his family behind and coming to the UK. He soon found himself relying on other people and community support services.
This time in temporary accommodation was filled with instability, insecurity and anxiety for Fedai. Eventually, he was put in touch with North East housing provider, Tyne Housing, who provided dedicated advice and support services, arranging permanent, rented accommodation for him.
They also offered social and employability advice to help him find his feet, fully integrate into the community and create a better life for himself as a small business owner. Fedai said: "I am grateful to Tyne Housing who firstly gave me a clean room to live in before offering me tenancy for a single person flat sometime later.
"I had been sleeping on the floor of a friend's restaurant before this so I feel very supported, especially by my support worker, Lesley, who has given good advice and has a very friendly manner. Thanks to Tyne Housing, I have regained my self-confidence, and this has enabled me to set goals and work hard to achieve them."
Lesley Stanners, Support Housing Officer from Tyne Housing, explained: "Our work goes far beyond finding accommodation for our service users, and can include providing social, lifestyle or skills guidance, and working with associate partner organisations to find employability.
"In Fedai’s case, this was also working with Ellis Stafford, Tyne’s employability coach, who through the BOOST programme, coordinated support from other organisations including Business Gateshead. They helped him to create a business plan and attend start-up workshops which as a result, saw him register and launch his new venture earlier this year.
"Many of our residents have the drive to become the best they can be but often their situation creates challenges. Fedai is an amazing person and a great example of someone who wanted to work hard to build opportunities for himself, using his flair and creativity to prosper and get back on track.
"Through effort and determination, he has embraced all the support we have offered and gained vital skills, for example, using an online app to learn English. He has continued with this for some time and is now mastering the language, and it has been the launchpad for a very positive future.
"He can now improve this further as a small business owner dealing with his customers so it’s brilliant and we’re thrilled for him."
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