Supporting young People with care and compassion – John’s story

At Places for People, we believe that when we listen, care and act, we create real change - not just in homes and Communities, but in individual lives. It’s a promise we make to our Customers, and it starts with People like John Holdroyd. 

After retiring from the police force, John was looking for a way to stay active and continue making a difference. Having spent over two decades working closely with children and young People during his policing career, he knew he still had more to give - but he wasn’t sure what that might look like. 

“I’d retired, but I didn’t want to just stop,” John said. “I’d always had a strong connection with young People - it’s where I felt I could really help.” 

He applied for a small six-hour-a-month role with Living Plus Young Persons Supported Accommodation service, expecting it to be a low-key way to stay involved. But the moment he stepped through the door, something clicked. 

“After my first shift, they offered me a full-time job. I didn’t even have to think about it - I knew I’d found where I was supposed to be.” 

That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter for John - one where he would continue to support and advocate for young People, but this time in a completely different setting. Seven years later, he’s a full-time Customer Support Coordinator with Places for People Living Plus, where he’s helping vulnerable young People build brighter futures - and doing so with the same compassion and commitment that guided him throughout his policing career. 

“It was never about the uniform. It was always about helping People - especially young People - make better choices, feel seen, and feel safe. That’s exactly what I get to do now.” 

Practical help, personal support 

Each day starts early for John. He checks in with the night team to hear about any overnight updates and then reviews reports to plan how best to support Customers. Whether it’s helping them claim Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, encouraging them to attend health appointments, or teaching basic life skills, John’s role is all about preparing them for a future where they can live independently. 

He also supports with everyday practical skills like budgeting, cleaning, shopping, and cooking. These may seem like small steps - but for many of the young People John supports, they’re skills they’ve never had the chance to learn. 

“We teach life skills, yes - but we also build self-worth. I want them to see they can make good decisions, that they matter.” 

Most importantly, John ensures that every young Person has a support plan tailored to them. Their needs, their pace, and their voice always come first. It’s about helping them feel empowered - not just supported. 

“I’m often the first stable adult figure in their lives. I’m someone they can trust, talk to, and lean on. That kind of consistency can change everything.” 

Supporting through the toughest times 

John’s role doesn’t shy away from difficult situations. He’s been there in some of the most challenging moments young People can face. One situation that stands out was when a Customer was being threatened over a drug debt. John acted quickly to keep them safe - locking down the property and calling the police before the situation escalated further. 

“Afterwards, I sat down with him and talked through what had happened. We looked at the consequences, and I helped him understand there’s a better path out there.” 

These are the moments when our People Promise comes to life. We don’t just respond - we take action to help our Customers move forward, even after crisis. And for John, that means never giving up. 

“Sometimes they stumble, but we start again and rebuild. You don’t give up on someone just because it’s hard.” 

A culture of care 

Behind every story of Customer success is a team who supports each other just as strongly. 

“We’re a close-knit team - a work family. We’ve got each other’s backs. Everyone respects each other, and we pull together no matter what.” 

John has received extensive training since joining Places for People - over 300 courses, in fact - spanning everything from mental health and sexual health to fire safety and housing systems. He’s now a key member of the team, with newer Colleagues often turning to him for guidance and support. 

“When I started, I didn’t know much about supported accommodation. Now I’m someone others ask for advice. That’s how far I’ve come - and it’s thanks to the support around me.” 

Making a lasting difference 

It’s not always easy - but for John, it’s always worth it. One of his proudest moments was seeing a young woman he supported go from isolating herself in her flat to enrolling in sixth form, forming lasting friendships, and eventually heading off to study microbiology at University. 

“Seeing that transformation - watching her thrive - that’s what it’s all about.” 

And it’s those kinds of changes that stay with him, even after the young People he’s supported have moved on. 

“Sometimes it’s hard to see them leave because you build a real bond. But when they come back to visit with their own families, you realise how far they’ve come - and that you were part of it.” 

For John, working at Places for People is about more than a job. It’s about being part of something bigger - something meaningful. It’s about listening, caring, and acting to create a better future for the young People he supports.