Liam used to pride himself on working hard to support his wife and two children. But an unseen battle with mental health took hold, and he turned to alcohol and cocaine to cope.
In a short amount of time, he lost his job, his marriage, and his home. He lives in a supported accommodation scheme in Surrey, which keeps him off the streets and provides the structural support he needs to recover.
It was here that Liam learnt about Church Homeless Charity and accessed one of our grants. The grant was a lifeline that matched his determination to get his life and his pride back.
A routine that helps Liam rebuild
Like many people in supported accommodation, Liam lives on an income that just about covers the basics. Following a diagnosis of ADHD and autism, Liam realised he had been using substances to manage his symptoms.
One thing he missed after becoming homeless was exercise, which had always given him a sense of purpose and helped him regulate his emotions. Thanks to our supporters, we provided Liam with a grant for membership at a local gym.
His support worker told us:
“Being able to focus on his physical health and doing an activity he enjoys has been pivotal to Liam’s recovery – helping him reach several months clean from substances.”
She added: “It is amazing that funding like this is available to help people in difficult situations, and I think that the work that CHC does is so important, not only to provide the basics, but to help people access things that improve their lives.”
Looking ahead with confidence
Today, Liam feels more motivated, more settled, and more positive. He’s rebuilding his confidence and his relationship with his children – one manageable step at a time.