Tony’s story

Tony had his own flat which he successfully maintained for 17 years, and he had not been in trouble with the police for 20 years. But following a bereavement, everything went wrong – the anxiety and depression that he had been living with became unbearable and he reached for drugs. He ended up in prison and lost his flat.

We interviewed him by phone in the prison, so we could offer him a place to live through The Bridge as soon as he was released.

Seven months after moving in, he had done so well that he was moved to Home4Me. Another seven months later, he stepped down another level of support to Derventio’s supported housing.

During this time, Tony’s brother took his own life and his dad died, both of which hit him hard. He has ended his drug use with support from staff. We also helped him with clothes for the funeral, to access a dentist, apply for benefits including PIP, to attend appointments, which he found hard due to his anxiety, and supported him when he was in hospital.