Greg's Blog
Greg is a service user and will answer any questions you have.
Find out what it is like to be without a home.
Who did Greg turn to for help?
What happened to friends and family?
What is life like now?
Join in and have your say.
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Case Study 1
BEN'S LIFE
Ben once lived as a happily married man with a
respectable job as a school teacher.
Unfortunately Ben suffered un-dected mental
health problems and could'nt cope with life, he soon
turned to the bottle to find answers. His drink problem became so out of control he ended up loosing his family, job and home.
In 2003 Ben was referred to openingdoors, he lived in rented accommodation but required support from our Floating Support Scheme. He still suffered from mental health issues and his drinking problems had caused his finance to escalate into great debt.
Over the past three years, Ben has received alot of support and advice from openingdoors. Today he is in control of his finances, a reformed alcoholic and has successfully been signed off from all mental health services, he has even found himself permanent employment with a large company.
Ben has gained alot of confidence and become the strong minded person he once was. The help and encouragement given to Ben from openingdoors has helped him to succeed into the independent life he now leads.
If you ever met Ben, you would never know that only a few years ago he led such a troubled life.
Case Study 2
JOHN'S LIFE
John had been living at an immigration holding house in Leigh until
his immigration status had been resolved. He had arrived in the
UK with his brother to escape the troubles in Somalia.
At only 17 years of age, John had experienced terrible things
back home, he had seen many of his village people killed.
John arrived in our drop in centre and was given support and advice regarding his benefits. Fortunately a bed came available at Park Lodge - direct access accommodation. He quickly settled in, making many friends and eventually opening up to staff regarding his life he had left in Somalia. He was given counselling sessions to overcome the fear.
After gaining much confidence, John decided to go to college and take a BTEC National Diploma Course in Electronics. While at college he took a part time job at a fast food restaurant. Soon he was taking driving lessons and becoming more and more independent each day.
As soon as John reached 18 years of age, he was allowed to bid on the 'Choose a home scheme', it was'nt long before John was offered his own property. In September 2006 John moved into his own flat, with continuous support from the charities 'Floating Support Scheme'.
April 2007, John no longer requires support from the charity, he is managing his own tenancy, continuing his BTEC National, still working part time and paying his own way.
A success story of once a homeless and vulnerable person, now living an independent life.