Steve* had been sleeping rough for many years and over that time he would sometimes come to the Beacon for help. This winter with our help he was housed in shared temporary accommodation.
Steve confided in us that he was uncertain that he would be able to cope in the chaotic environment of temporary accommodation. We tried to reassure him and encouraged as during the cold of winter it was worth a try. He moved off the cold streets and was delighted to have a warm bed to sleep in. But unfortunately he did not feel safe there, he would leave first thing in the morning and spend his day on the streets. This is where he felt most comfortable. For people with anxious mental health disorders being in a confined space with strangers can feel very distressing.

During this time Steve continued to engage with our support, he regularly attended support meetings with our case workers where we helped him with his other support needs and applications for benefits. Through these we learnt that he was increasingly spending his days indoors and felt able to relax in the accommodation, even in the shared areas such as the kitchen.

He was also growing in confidence and his understanding of himself. He noticed that he was struggling with his room being near the end of a corridor by a main door. This meant that people were regularly talking outside his room or walking past. This was making Steve feel anxious and it was stopping him from feeling calm and comfortable in his room. Steve may have previously felt powerless, not addressed this issue and potentially have fled the accommodation. This sadly often happens and perpetuates the cycle of homelessness that we see in people with serious traumas and mental health problems.

Steve took it on himself to speak to the accommodation managers about this problem and his needs and they were able to move him to a room in a much quieter area of the building.

We are proud to say that he is still in his accommodation. Steve still engages with our support, we see him twice a week for a support meeting. He is also regularly attending his probation meetings which is a big step for him.

We know that Steve still has a long way to go, but he is working really hard on himself and growing every day. We can’t wait to support him further and see where his journey takes him.

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*name changed to protect our friends identity