More than just a cuppa: support, guidance and a renewed self-confidence
To move from homelessness to independent living takes a whole lot more than having a place to live. For many people, it takes learning to believe in themselves again. It takes social skills and life skills – and the chance to talk things through with someone who cares.
That’s why our Health and Wellness Program is so important. Thanks to your generosity, we can give people holistic mental, emotional, and physical support when they need it most.
With your support, we’ve been able to help people like Greg*.
“I was put in an orphanage when my parents split up,” says Greg.
“I was 22 years old when I met my father. He didn’t accept me, and tried to cut me out of his life.
“Later on I had to leave my job due to an illness, so I was out of work. After a while I went on to do a range of different jobs to get by, working in the automotive industry, I drove trucks for a while, and worked as a press operator.
“It’s always been hard to reconcile my past, but I’m doing alright. I don’t have any contact with my family anymore – I’m on my own here.
“I come to Coffee and Chat every Monday and the Walking Wombats every Tuesday – it’s a great way to be social and get to know new people. At the coffee club we help each other work through our issues and talk things out.
“I offer support and guidance where I can, and I know that the support is there for me when I need it”.
Greg is now living in stable accommodation and visits us each day to chat and deliver his most recent hand written poems. Greg still contributes his time and energy to our Coffee and Chat catch ups, and encourages others to participate and build their own self-confidence.
Go Back to The Word from the Street news, Autumn 2019
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of people who have kindly allowed us to share their story.