From The Lowest Point To The Highest Peak

‘I just want to do it to give a bit of hope to people. Don’t feel like you can’t do it, like you can’t make a change. Speak to somebody and have faith in yourself. The life you can have is amazing’. 10 years after leaving the streets and addiction behind Steve has a loving wife and two children that are the centre of his life. He is now getting ready to climb Ben Nevis to raise money for Barnabus who helped him on his journey of recovery 11 years ago. This is his story.

Steve first came to Barnabas for help 11 years ago, he had been homeless and moving around the UK for 9 years at this point. Like many people who come through our door he had been told about us by another person sleeping on the streets. He was in need of a hot meal, a shower, fresh clothes and a friendly face.

Steve faced a lot of problems on the streets. He really struggled with addiction and substance abuse. Sometimes he felt like it was his only comfort in dark times. Steve really needed social interaction in a safe space, he admits that he’s introverted and struggled to talk with other people living on the streets. Our support centre offered him comfort, warmth and a conversation. When he visited us he felt he could always rely on one of our staff or volunteers to take the time to sit and speak with him, “they didn’t judge’ he felt he could trust us that we were there to listen and to help him.

Steve woke up in Manchester city centre on his 30th birthday, looked down at his hands and was shocked by how dirty they were. He felt a deep need to change and truly turn his life around. Steve feels that this was the moment that he committed to changing his life. Unfortunately he had a mental health crisis shortly after this and during this he was sectioned. But, Steve's desire to change never left him and it became clear to him that he couldn’t continue living this way. He began learning to make positive life-changing choices going forward. He no longer relied on substances for comfort, he fought his cravings and focused on the bigger picture which was getting himself off the streets and on to a better path in life.

Fortunately Steve was supported in his move out of hospital and was able to get his own flat. He continued to stay on a positive journey, it was long and winding with many ups and downs. But Steve never gave up and he now has every he could wish for, he is happily married with two amazing children. Steve continues to stay on his journey of recovery, he believes his family has given him a purpose and a reason to stay on his path of recovery. As a family, they enjoy days out, going on adventures and hikes. Exercise and nature has been one of the best things for Steve. It keeps him busy, energised and hopeful about his future, it has also inspired his newest challenge, to walk up Ben Nevis.

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Great Britain. In September they will be setting off from Fort William at 13m above sea level, to reach the summit at a whopping 1,345m! Steve and a group of his closest friends have decided to do this as a sponsored walk together for Barnabus.

When we asked him why he had decided to fundraise for us, he replied:

‘I just want to do it to give a bit of hope to people. Don’t feel like you can’t do it, like you can’t make a change. Speak to somebody and have faith in yourself. The life you can have is amazing’.

Steve highlighted ‘it’s not just a one stop journey, it’s a lifelong journey’. This is something we know all too well and that’s why Barnabus will always be here to help those we have supported before and those we continue to help. People who have walked through our doors before, people who continue to come and see us or anyone who is just starting their journey here at Barnabus, we will continue to welcome everyone and help them in their journey off the streets. 

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