Material needs aren’t the whole story. Daniel doesn’t blame his council for evicting him after a so-called friend wired his electric meter and lived rent-free while Daniel was in hospital after a heart attack. But he did not have the two weeks rent they demanded to let him back and he’s been sleeping on the […]
Rebuilding family life
An ordinary bloke
Thanks to extraordinary Big Change. In a way Craig is a typical rough sleeper. He has no long-term support needs. No mental health issues. No substance abuse. He doesn’t fit the rough sleeper stereotype – but he soon could. Anyone can have the bad luck to end up sleeping rough. Craig was “horrified” when his […]
Freed from the prison of rough sleeping
To stay drug-free Les needs to be off the streets. For Les, ending up in jail again at 45, with a life of drug abuse contributing to his criminal record, was the final wake-up call. Les has finally agreed that he’s ready for change. He’s at last talking to the drug services he needs to […]
Happiness is cooking his own meals
Independent living is a Big Change bonus. Simon’s dream since becoming homeless and spending 13 months in temporary accommodation has started to come true. He has at last found an unfurnished flat of his own. But, yet to find work, Simon was living without the basic ‘white goods’ which most of us take for granted. […]
Sue finds stability again
Preventing homelessness with Big Change connections. Sue was full of hope last year when she left her settled life here to move in with her new partner in London. But her relationship soon became abusive and she had to flee Women’s Aid who found her space in a women’s refuge down south. This year, determined to […]
Ex-serviceman winning his battle
More than just the ticket. Robert is a Londoner. When things went downhill five months ago he found himself stuck in Manchester, far from his family and living on our streets. Discussions revealed that Robert believed he could call on and accept help – as a family member and an ex-serviceman – back in his […]
New boots for John
First steps to life off the streets. We thought this young man was rough sleeping, but the first two times we tried talking he didn’t want to discuss any of his circumstances. Next time we spoke – to ask how we may be able to help – he gave his name. John. John still didn’t reveal […]
Ian
How did you become homeless? I came out of a two-bedroom accommodation, which was full of drugs that weren’t mine, with people coming in and out. I had my son living with me, and then my son went to live with my brother, and I’d just come out onto the streets. You can’t bring him […]
Lennie
How did you become homeless? I was with the mother of my children for 14 years, and after she cheated on me I went downhill. I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. There used to be nine of us siblings, I used to have seven brothers but I lost four.. Lost two of […]
Carrie
Unfortunately, many homeless people have had difficult childhoods entwined with social services, typically finding themselves in and out of care. Carrie’s story followed this pattern. Throughout her life, Carrie had a tumultuous relationship with her parents. At an early age, a violent relationship drove Carrie and her mother away to a women’s refuge, where her […]
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