Simon’s story

Last year Simon was living in a tent by a riverbank. Having struggled with drug use, he had lost his job and his home.

I was living in this tent and it was horrible. I was frozen. It was wet and cold. I tried to keep out of the way by a river. My girlfriend stuck by me though and she did stay with me on a good few occasions. I was just living and thinking, ‘What’s the point?’ Basically, I was on the verge of giving up.

I was having to eat things like crisps and cold pasties. Obviously I was struggling for money because I had lost my job. I used to borrow a couple of quid off my mum: £2 or £3 to go to Lidl. I didn’t really eat properly for three months.

Things began to get better for Simon when he sought help through his doctor. A housing charity helped him, then Derventio found him a shared property in our supported housing.

I can’t describe the feeling. I felt so welcomed by the other residents there and I felt safe. It was just amazing. Being in a tent was so bad and the house I was moved into was really nice as well.

Through Derventio, Simon was supported to access doctor’s services and has now made so much progress he has moved on into his own council rented home. He is retraining in landscaping and construction in order to find his way back into work.

Through Derventio’s Sylvester’s Fund his new property has been furnished with a fridge freezer, washing machine, cooker and four curtain poles.

Derventio has been very supportive, always answering the phone any time and making sure they were there for me. It just shows that there is support out there. You have just got to work with people … and also help yourself a bit. Derventio is the biggest part of where I am now.