Life Before Support

Umaro drank for many years. Finally, after a short prison sentence for fighting whilst drunk, he decided he’d had enough. He detoxed while in prison.

When he was released, he had nowhere to go and soon started sleeping on the streets. He remembers his bedding being stolen almost immediately and having to sleep with his jacket pulled up over his face for warmth. He was also attacked – someone beat him with a metal bar and fractured his knee badly.

When Help Arrived

Not long after, an outreach worker found him and referred him to The Connection.

Umaro says “at that time I was suicidal. I’d been in and out of hostels but I didn’t feel safe there and the environment wasn’t good for me – I wanted to keep sober, and there’s too much risk of drugs and alcohol in those places.”

The Connection team recognised that getting his own place was critical to Umaro’s sobriety and overall recovery.

A New Start in Solo Homes

Two months ago, Umaro moved into our first Solo Homes flat! He’s settled in brilliantly and has been supported by our Solo Homes worker Genevieve, who’s helped him furnish the flat, register with a GP for the medication he needs, and set up bills and utilities. Genevieve and another Connection team member Howerd even helped Umaro build his new bed!

Genevieve says “Umaro’s been very proactive – he sorted out things like his TV license before I even asked him!”

Building a Life of His Own

Having his independence is very important to Umaro, who has always taken pride in looking after himself. He says ‘I appreciate all the help so much, but I want to do a bit for myself; control my bills, control my house, keep it nice. When you give me something – give me some responsibility – just see what I can do’.

He says the support Genevieve has given him has been invaluable. “Whenever she’s leaving she always says ‘if you need anything just call me’, but I never have to call her because she’s already helped with everything!”

Looking Ahead

Now he’s settled into his home, Umaro hopes to return to work. He used to fix coffee machines for a living, and hopes to own his own business doing this one day.

Umaro says “Today is like a dream, because I’ve had so much support. When I’m upset, they talk to me nicely. They don’t lie to me, they’re honest about what we can do and how long things will take.

They listen to me as well, that’s the main thing. Nobody has ever helped me this way.”