Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe It was an FE college tutor who Lydia turned to when she was homeless. Lydia, then 16, was sleeping on her aunt’s sofa after deciding she could no longer live with her parents. Her tutor listened, and put her in touch with a homelessness charity who in turn found her a social worker. For Lydia, who I met last year, that first conversation was life-changing. Within weeks, she moved to a women’s hostel where she stayed for 18 months until she was allocated a council flat. She finished college and went to university. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits. subscribe If you have an account, please login. Sign in