Stephen’s Story

Stephen has gone from sleeping in a horsebox to having a flat of his own

Last year Stephen was sleeping in a horsebox and taking Class A drugs after his life fell apart. He was referred to Opportunity and Change and his personal navigator started the process of finding him a new home, which included getting a bank account, hiring a removal firm, sorting out housing benefit and registering for council tax and utilities.

Eventually Stephen moved into a flat and is now facing a brighter future, with his drug-taking days behind him and all the paperwork he struggled to deal with now sorted.

Stephen was so grateful for the support that he wanted to give something back to help others in similar situations. He donated £50 to Derventio’s Empowerment Fund, which helps people buy essential items to help achieve their goals.