Today is World Homeless Day and we’re giving an insight into the people we help – and the traumas that have shaped their lives. We have changed names and some details to protect the identity of individuals.
People like…
Sam. He had been sleeping rough for a long time when he first came to us at the age of 26. The break down of a relationship, and running out of options to sofa surf, had led to him living on the streets.
We next saw Sam 6 years later when he was evicted from his home due to his drinking. As Sam explained, he was using alcohol, and drugs, as a coping mechanism to deal with his mental health and the stress of being homeless.
Sam had ongoing support from our Harm Reduction Team and was put in touch with the substance use treatment service, Dyfodol. As his confidence and self esteem grew, Sam volunteered with us, taking a keen interest in improving the local area through litter picking. He has now moved into a new home, which suits his support needs, as well as his goals and hopes for the future. All aimed at reducing the risk of him returning to the streets in the future.
Daniel moved to the UK following the death of a close family member and worked until the pandemic, when he found himself unemployed. He was sleeping rough when Cardiff Council Outreach Team put him in touch with us.
Daniel talked to our Harm Reduction Team about his concerns over his substance use and mental well-being. He was using alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism for negative feelings after experiencing traumatic past events.
He was given 1-2-1 ongoing support by the team and referred for treatment with the Homeless Nurses based at Housing Options. The team also helped Daniel find an emergency dentist for his teeth, which was affecting his self esteem – and in making an application to formalise his immigration status as an EU national in the UK.
Daniel has now moved into accommodation and continues to visit the centre for support. He hopes to eventually have a home of his own, to get a job and to reduce or stop his use of alcohol and drugs.
Jane had been sleeping rough when she heard about us. Although she came to the centre for the first time five years ago, her visits were sporadic and even stopped at times.
Throughout this time, she was alternating between being street homeless and staying in different emergency accommodation. However, Jane regularly attended our Needle and Syringe Programme and agreed to a referral to Dyfodol.
Jane kept in contact with our Harm Reduction team, even when she didn’t want to engage with other support services. She was offered a Blood Borne Virus Test, which is a key part of Harm Reduction. The results showed that Jane was Hepatitis C positive which was a massive shock, and scary time, for her.
The team supported Jane in accessing treatment, however, she was reluctant to start it because of the instability in her life. Members of staff continued to work with Jane, finding her a hostel room and to her delight she has now successfully completed her treatment and is Hep C free.