From Sleeping Rough to a New Start

19th June 2018

Neil was living rough in a tent for 4 to 5 years in the woods near Horsham, Neil would attend the winter night shelter in Horsham and this is where he came across support workers from Worthing Churches Homeless Charity.

The reason why Neil went to live rough was due to his substance misuse issues and Neil felt that he needed to get himself clean and felt that dropping out of society would help.

Neil felt that as he was not getting the help he needed, whilst being part of mainstream society, so he felt he had little options, but to live in a tent in the woods.

Neil then started to work with AJ from WCHP and she said that she would be able to help with accommodation, Neil was a little concerned about this, as he had been placed in hostels before and he wasn’t sure if this would be right for him, as he liked his own company.

AJ took Neil along to a viewing in East Grinstead to show him Stag House, which is owned by Caridon Property Ltd and Neil was shown a studio apartment. Neil was overwhelmed by what he was shown and was nearly in tears as he couldn’t believe that he was being offered a studio of his own, after spending 4 to 5 years in a tent, to be offered a studio flatwas overwhelming. Neil said that at 45 years old and having been on drugs for over 30 years that this was going to be the new start for him.

Neil has gone from strength to strength since living in Stag House and Neil cannot thank Caridon enough for allowing him to take up a tenancy with them.

(sent by Worthing Churches Homeless Charity)