Sometimes the biggest changes start with the smallest step: a conversation, a letter or the genuine desire to seek help when you need it the most.

At Barnabus, we work with people who have spent months, sometimes years, living on the streets of Manchester. Many have experienced trauma, addiction, broken relationships and systems that have let them down. Trust doesn’t come easily. Engagement can take a long time. Progress is rarely straightforward.

We see first-hand how difficult it can be for someone to accept support. For many, life on the streets becomes familiar, even when it’s dangerous. Letting people in requires courage.

One of our members of staff have experienced this for himself and we wanted to share this story.  

"A few years ago, before I became a member of staff, I was sleeping rough myself and struggling with addiction. During that time, I met Lucas. We were both trying to survive.

Years later, I have now found myself working for Barnabus, the same place that helped me change my life for the better, and I am still crossing paths with Lucas. I’ve known him for a long time and throughout those years, our team has tried to build trust and encourage him to engage with support. It didn’t happen quickly. It rarely does.

Then, a few weeks ago, something shifted.

Lucas wrote a letter to one of our team members saying he wanted our help to get off the streets. After years of limited engagement, this was a huge moment. A referral was made for accommodation and he specifically asked if I could support him throughout the assessment.

We attended the assessment together and he was accepted. Not long after, I helped him move into his new accommodation. The accommodation he has been put into is the exact same place I was in when I first started my journey out of homelessness. This makes Lucas’ situation very personal to me as I feel as though I am watching my own story unfold before me, but this time, it’s for somebody else.

Watching him walk into a safe place of his own was powerful. Not just because it meant he was no longer sleeping rough, but because it represented the trust Lucas had in Barnabus."

Michael Walsh

FORMer Engagement Worker

This is why we do what we do. We don’t give up when someone isn’t ready. We keep showing up. When that moment finally comes, when someone decides they want to take positive steps towards changing their life for the better, we’re there to walk alongside them.

Lucas’ story is one of many, help us continue supporting those who need it the most by donating today.