L&Q Living's Got Talent Winner

HOMELIFE

October 2023

Young mum Tia Scott was crowned L&Q Living’s Got Talent winner at this year’s annual event, which was held for the first time in the North West at Trafford’s Limelight community centre.

The judges were hard pressed to pick a winner but the trophy and prize money went to the 23-year-old, who received a standing ovation from a stunned audience after performing her own song.

“I’m always singing and have done ever since I was little,” said Tia, who lives at Railway Meadow Young Parents Scheme in Essex with her 9-month-old son, Grayson.

“I was encouraged to audition for this event, but I didn’t expect to win it! The whole trip was amazing. I loved Manchester and I’m so grateful to L&Q Living - it was a great experience.”

Tia moved into a self-contained, one-bedroom flat at Railway Meadow last October after leaving a nearby hostel.

“I was about 14 weeks pregnant and I needed to have my own place as I couldn’t live at home. It’s been a good experience at Railway Meadow, and I love living on my own – my number one priority is Grayson and me,” explained Tia.

“At Railway Meadow they offer all different kinds of support, whatever you need. For me, I needed support with the admin side of things. I can get a bit confused with childcare and the cost of things. They also run weekly baby massage groups and I’ve loved that.”

When asked how she intends on spending her prize money, she very cautiously said the unexpected money will go straight into her savings to support her and Grayson’s future move.

“The show has encouraged me to continue making music,” Tia said. “After this experience, I feel motivated, encouraged and excited for the future.”

Chrissie O’Hanlon, Tia’s Senior Support Worker at Railway Meadow, said,

“We are immensely proud of Tia, she is such a talented woman. We knew she was up against some tough competition, but we had every faith in her. She loves to sing, and it showed in her performance.”

One of the judges, Head of Independent Living, Fran Gudger, said,

“We had the honour of hosting the L&Q Living talent show, here in the North West at Limelight. It was a fantastic day, which everyone who attended enjoyed. All the finalists were fabulous, although we had a very worthy winner in Tia, who brought many of us to tears, singing a special song, she wrote especially for the competition.”