Finding Strength: Support Officer Kieran Jones Talks about Fitness and Fresh Starts

Kieran Jones is a Homeless Support Officer, who is motivating young residents through his passion for fitness and self-care.

He believes that it’s a privilege to support young people on their journeys and that with the right mindset, support, and opportunities, everyone has the potential to move forward and build a positive future.

We caught up with Kieran, who is based at Llys Emlyn Williams in Holywell, a ClwydAlyn supported living scheme for young people aged 16-24, to find out more…

Q: What drew you to work in supported living?

Kieran: I wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives, especially at a time when they’re trying to rebuild and move forward. I’ve always felt that my purpose is to help others, and supporting young people to gain independence, confidence, and stability is something I find really rewarding.

Q: How have your personal experiences shaped the work you do?

Kieran: I’ve had a challenging upbringing myself, which helps me relate to the young people I support. It’s given me a level of understanding and empathy that allows me to connect with them in a genuine way. I try to lead by example and show that positive change is possible, no matter your starting point.

Q: How does your interest in health, fitness and nutrition influence the work you do?

Kieran: Health is important to me, especially as I’ve experienced my own challenges with gut health from growing up on a heavily processed diet. Making changes to what I eat and how I look after myself has had a significant impact on my well-being, and that’s something I try to pass on to residents. I’ve supported residents with creating simple meal plans that fit within their budgets, and helping them understand that eating well doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.

Q: Tell us about the fitness and wellbeing initiatives you’ve introduced.

Kieran: I’ve worked with residents to create exercise plans they can do without any equipment, especially for those who can’t access or afford a gym membership. This includes things like home workouts and getting outside for walks.

I’ve also encouraged residents to get involved in creative and wellbeing activities such as attending workshops, learning new skills or developing hobbies. For example, I’ve supported one resident with her baking and encouraged her to take it further.

I’ve also encouraged creative outlets like Warhammer figure painting, which can be beneficial for focus and mental wellbeing.

And, I’ve helped residents to explore activities such as boxing and Muay Thai. These are activities that have personally helped me build confidence, structure, and self-discipline, and have had a positive impact on my own life. By sharing this experience, I hope to inspire residents to find activities that give them a sense of purpose and personal growth.

These small steps have helped the residents to build confidence, routine, and a sense of purpose.

Q: How do you encourage the residents to believe in themselves?

Kieran: By building trust and showing them that progress doesn’t have to be perfect. I break things down into small, manageable steps and celebrate the wins along the way. I also try to lead by example showing consistency in my own habits, to demonstrate what’s possible.

Q: Do you feel that physical wellbeing has a positive impact on mental health?

Kieran: Definitely. I’ve become more disciplined and consistent with my own habits and seen first-hand how improving physical health through better nutrition, exercise, and routine can have a huge impact on mental wellbeing. It can boost mood, reduce stress, and improve confidence. Even slight changes can make a significant difference.

I make a conscious effort to practise what I promote, as I believe people are more likely to listen when they see you living it yourself.

Q: What helps you to stay motivated?

Kieran: Seeing the progress residents make keeps me motivated. Even small steps forward are important. I also stay focused on my own routines and goals, which helps me keep a positive mindset.

Q: What are your hopes for the future of homelessness support for young people?

Kieran: I think there could be more focus on nutrition, health, and wellbeing within support services. Diet and exercise play a huge role in both physical and mental health and giving young people more education and support in these areas could make a lasting difference alongside the support they already receive.

Q: What advice would you give to a young person who has just arrived at Llys Emlyn Williams?

Kieran: Take things one step at a time. You don’t need to have everything figured out straight away. Be open to support, try new things, and focus on small, positive changes, they all add up!

Llys Emlyn Williams is a 12-bedroom home, for young people who are experiencing homelessness. The scheme provides 24-hour staff support in safe and secure premises.