Stephen can now enjoy time with his friends after turning his life around

Stephen had been homeless and sleeping rough, whilst struggling with his mental health and alcohol addiction. His wish has always been to have a place he can call home.

After he engaged with the forfutures outreach team, he became one of the first customers to stay at Hamiltion House, a homeless assessment and support facility in Chester.

The facility was Government funded to provide services to people who were sleeping rough. It allowed rapid access to welfare services and a bed whilst the most appropriate support and accommodation was identified.

From here, Stephen moved into supported accommodation. With support, Stephen abstained from using drugs and reduced his drinking.

Stephen said: “My support worker from forfutures has worked hard to find the right home for me. I felt I needed to make changes and I no longer wanted to live like that. I won’t say it was easy and I had a few hiccups but I am no longer drinking daily.

“I recently got the amazing news that I was being given a place to live in Middlewich. I have my own flat in supported accommodation with my own front door. I have staff there 24/7, who are working with me on my living skills. I still engage with drug and alcohol services as well as mental health services.

“I am now looking forward to the future. I know have money to go and have lunch and cake with the friends I have made – where I only have a glass of coke.”