James Innes

There's nothing more humiliating than sitting outside KFC on a Friday night and asking drunk people on their way home for leftovers. Imagine being 16, 17, 18 and this is your only chance of survival. Being homeless was the most frightening time on my life. At 43, I have a house in London, I have my family and I appreciate every second. And that's why I wake up everyday motivated to help others like me and I will never stop campaigning for children and young people in care. #changeiscoming. @SuellaBraverman It was not a lifestyle choice for me or every other young care leaver forced onto the streets. I'll accept an apology when you're ready.

At 16, I was placed in a bedsit with two older men who were both alcoholics. The place was dangerous and unsuitable for a 16 year old boy leaving care and starting an independent life. No one listened when I begged for somewhere safe to live. I ended up falling behind on my bills because I had no money or support, and before I knew it, I was homeless. That's how quickly it can happen, and you have no control over it whatsoever. It is not a lifestyle choice. @SuellaBraverman