Jim’s* life spiralled out of control in a matter of months. With the help of CENS, he is starting over and aspires to help others
“Life got bad when my daughter’s mum left me, taking my daughter with her and cutting contact. I had experienced depression before, but having my family around me kept it at bay. When they left, it was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. I missed days at work and lost my job. That meant I couldn’t pay the rent. I was not looking after myself at all and didn’t have anyone to turn to as my family live abroad.
It was like everything happened so quickly, I didn’t have time to catch my breath, let alone figure out where I could get help.
I lost the home and ended up living in a tent down the Hythe. I think I was on self-destruct as without my daughter, life didn’t really seem worth it.
I slept in that tent for three weeks before someone suggested Beacon House. Beacon House started the process of getting me the help I needed.
They phoned CENS on my behalf and got me a referral. I remember turning up and just crying and crying. All the CENS staff kept offering me tea and tissues! I was so relieved to be somewhere safe, I let my build-up of emotions out in one go.
I remember being shown the room, which was a million times better than the tent I’d been in. I looked at myself in the mirror for the first time in months and had a change of mind. I wanted to get better and rebuild my life so that when my daughter came looking for me, I would be somebody she could be proud of.
Settling into life at CENS took some time. I carried a lot of shame about my situation and feeling like a failure as a dad. I didn’t get close to anyone for a while but as time went on, I came out of myself. I really enjoyed helping in the kitchen – it made me feel useful and like I was giving back.
I made some life-long friends, and we still have an active Whatsapp group. By the end of my stay at CENS, I was one of the most chatty, sociable residents. I made sure I welcomed newcomers as I knew how daunting it could be to be the newbie.
I was at CENS for three months in total. After lots of ups and downs and getting my 10k steps in around Colchester almost every day, I was referred to a supported living accommodation. This means I have somewhere secure for at least two years. CENS funded some counselling for me while I was there which I found helpful. I was so pleased that they agreed to continue funding it after I left and moved to my new house. I am hoping that one day I will be able to train to become a counsellor myself.
I now have a job working in a kitchen. It helps me keep busy and isn’t too stressful! I am enjoying the simple things in life and will never forget people’s kindness.”
If you would like to support people like Jim, please consider donating here: https://cens4homeless.org.uk/donate-new/ or use the form below.
*names have been changed
