Tom was struggling and living on the cusp of homelessness. After a violent threat Tom fled his home in Wales. He left his rental property and most of his possessions without a plan of what to do next.

Tom came to Manchester, the city he was born in, where he still had some estranged family. He found himself living on the streets completely lost on what to do next or how to escape his situation.

He began regularly going to one of our partner charities in Manchester. At their morning drop-in he was getting help with the essentials and escaping the winter cold. It was here that he began speaking to one of their volunteers, called Phil*.

Phil had been homeless himself so knew what Tom was going through. On Phil's journey out of homelessness he went through Barnabus’ supported accommodation and graduated from our care last year. He now lives in his own home and volunteers at this other charity in his spare time.

Phil spotted something in Tom and got in touch with our housing team, who only recently were supporting Phil on his journey. He spoke to our team about how impressed he was with Tom’s attitude and behaviour. He felt that Tom was ideal for a place in Barnabus’ supported accommodation and that we should invite him to meet with our team. Fortunately we had a space on one of our supported accommodation buildings and off the back of Phil’s referral we were able to invite Tom in to meet us.

Phil was right, about Tom. He was ready for a new start and ready to work hard for it. He was clearly struggling with his mental health after the recent trauma and struggles he had been through, but that is what our supported accommodation is there for. We were delighted to offer Tom a place in our supported accommodation.

Since moving in last month Tom has settled in really well and has been a great resident. He’s already helped the other residents he is living with. He immediately began cooking group meals for the house which were greatly appreciated by everyone. Two of the other residents in the house are not native English speakers and Tom is helping them with their English.

Tom has had the opportunity for a new beginning that he needed. We are very thankful to Phil for spotting his potential and making it happen. You can make new starts like Tom’s possible when you support the Barnabus Easter Appeal.

This Easter, will you help someone start again?

*Names changed to protect our friends’ identity.

Donate To The Barnabus Easter Appeal