Student tells property dinner: 'Norwood turned my life around'

Rebecca is in the final year of her chemistry degree and has been accepted to complete a PhD at Imperial College London. But her life would have been very different without Norwood’s support.

Addressing more than 500 guests at the Young Norwood Property Awards, Rebecca recalled a troubled childhood.

With her parents struggling to look after her and her two siblings, she had lived in 16 homes —“from council estates to bed and breakfasts” — when, with Norwood’s support, she moved in with her aunt and uncle at the age of 14. A Norwood social worker provided counselling.

After A-levels, she desperately wanted to continue her education but the maximum government support barely covered her rent. Norwood put her in contact with charities offering scholarships and grants to students. It also gave her money to buy pots, pans, bedding and other student essentials.