George has experienced homelessness on and off since the age of 16. Now 42, he has spent much of his adult life sleeping rough and moving between different parts of the country, often struggling to find the right support.

Since returning to The Connection, George has begun rebuilding his life. He now has temporary accommodation and is working towards a more permanent home. Although his journey hasn’t been straightforward, he says having somewhere safe to go each day has made a real difference.

Living with complex PTSD and other mental health challenges, George says consistent support has been vital. Weekly psychology sessions have helped him cope with the trauma he has experienced over many years of homelessness.

Our psychologist Kari has helped George feel heard and respected by listening to what he needs and following through on promises. That consistency has helped him begin to rebuild trust after years of instability.

The Connection also provides practical support that many people take for granted. Hot meals, advice, access to showers, help with appointments and somewhere warm to spend the day all help people survive while working towards a more stable future. For George, these everyday essentials are just as important as specialist support.

Having experienced homelessness for more than 25 years, George knows how quickly people can lose hope when services are stretched. He believes more staff, more volunteers and more activities would mean people receive support sooner, before problems reach crisis point.

“People just want to know someone is there to help.”

Today, George is hopeful that with continued support he can build a more secure future. He wants others facing homelessness to have the same opportunity.

“The help you can get is positive. People just need enough support when they need it most.”