“If it wasn’t for WHC, I doubt I would actually still be here”.

Just over ten years ago Ben* felt utterly hopeless. His relationship with his parents had broken down and they had told him to leave. With nowhere else to go, Ben faced sleeping on the street.

Scared and unsure of what to do, he got in touch with Wycombe Homeless Connection. We gave him a sleeping bag as he was on the street and found out he was waiting for a place at a mental health centre. We helped him apply for a room at the YMCA so he wouldn’t have to sleep rough in the meantime.

Once Ben was discharged from the centre, we helped him find a room in temporary accommodation. But sadly, recovery and rehabilitation isn’t quick or easy. Ben struggled with addiction and a relationship ended, leading to another period of homelessness. Working with the council to secure the financial support he was entitled to, we helped him find a home to rent. We gave him a bed and kitchen pack to help him settle in.

Ben decided to move away from the area, a sensible step to make sure he wasn’t drawn back into old habits and we lost touch but we were delighted to hear from Ben recently.

He told us grateful for the help he had received. He said the biggest impact was that he felt he was never judged or turned away, no matter how many times he needed to ask for help. And we are thrilled to say, he told us he is healthy and has been employed by a local charity where he uses his experiences to help people going through what he did.

“I have always been grateful for what you did for me. It’s something I carry in helping support others in my role now as housing support worker in a homeless project.”

*name changed for privacy