Dramatic turn of fortune for homeless Stephanie

OVERCOMING adversity . . . from left, Stephanie Farrell, George Oluyinka (who plays Leeroy in “My Space”) and Rathbone apprentice chef James Swales

A TEENAGER from Failsworth has described how living rough on the streets encouraged her to turn her life round - and land a role in a new drama.

At 17, Stephanie Farrell was homeless after being kicked out of her family home by her mother. She spent cold nights on the streets, or slept on friends’ sofas until deciding to make changes to her life.

“I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in that situation,” she said. “I knew I was the only person who could get me back on my feet.”

Despite homelessness Stephanie, now 19, continued to work hard at college and work. Now living in supported accommodation, the talented rapper and songwriter is studying maths, English and health and social care at Union Street-based charity Rathbone and devotes her spare time to helping parents bringing up children with disabilities.

And she is using her past experiences to advise actors in “My Space”, a new play being performed at Manchester’s 24/7 theatre festival from this week.

The play examines prejudice against the young in a story about youths on a community sentence and the old man whose garden they tend.

“It’s great working on the show and helping out where I can. It keeps me motivated.”

Stephanie is optimistic about her future and has a special message for any young person going through tough times: “I hope my story can encourage someone in a similar situation. Life isn’t over for them.

“It may not be easy and may not happen right away, but if you stick at it things will get better.”

“My Space” runs from Saturday. Details at www.247theatrefestival.co.uk.