Homeless young people in Chiswick met Hounslow's deputy lieutenant Maria Pedro who shared her own experiences of a growing up in care.

A group of 16 to 21-year-olds living at St Margaret's House on Sutton Court Road, a supported housing accommodation service provided by Shepherd's Bush Housing Group, were inspired by Ms Pedro's successful career despite a difficult start in life.

She explained all about overcoming her challenges and going on to have a successful career and personal life, with an inspiring message that it's possible to achieve your dreams whatever the circumstances.

She also offered to be a mentor or have an informal chat with any of the young people who wanted to speak to her on a one-to-one basis.

Ms Pedro said: “I attended the official opening of St Margaret’s House two years ago and returned to see how the young people are getting on there.

"Someone like me who grew up in care and has had personal experiences like them could encourage them that it is still possible to live a productive life even if you’ve had a difficult home-life.”

St Margaret’s is a 26-room hostel where each young person has their own self-contained flat and receives support from staff to develop their life-skills, access training or employment and prepare to help them move on into independent living.

St Margaret’s senior team manager Deanne Straker said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Maria for attending our residents meeting.

"She truly was inspirational. A number of the young people said they found her speech touching.”