David suffers from depression and anxiety with suicidal ideation. David has been misusing vallium from the age of 13, then went on to use other substances such as heroin, crack cocaine and non-prescribed pregabalin.
David has been diagnosed with vascular thrombosis and arthritis in his right wrist/knee, resulting in increased drug misuse for pain management. David managed his own property for 5 years successfully, participating within family life with a solid support system.
Facing £1000 in arrears, David was banned by his housing provider, resulting in a tenancy breach and subsequent homelessness. Since then, David has been placed in various temporary accommodations. Following a prolonged hospital stay, he was discharged without a permanent place to live.
“Emotionally and physically, being homeless hit hard. My anxiety went through the roof – I was constantly stressed. Physically, the cold was brutal; it messed with my ability to walk properly. Honestly, it was the absolute worst experience of my life.
I was homeless for about two years, not all at once, but on and off.
The reason I lost my home and ended up homeless was because I was being bullied and then I was stabbed. It all went downhill from there.”
David was excited about the opportunity to have a home. They had previously given up tenancies to live with various girlfriends, and when those relationships ended, they became homeless. They felt relieved that they would not be homeless for Christmas.
Life at YMCA North Tyneside
“This accommodation is a pleasant surprise – the flat is clean and well-kept, and having reliable hot water for showers makes a big difference.
The staff are friendly and approachable, usually happy to have a conversation. Although I feel comfortable here and would ideally like to remain, I understand my stay is temporary.
My priority is to find a long-term place where I can feel truly safe and secure. The staff have been incredibly helpful, assisting me with essential tasks like organising my benefits. Their care has also been evident during difficult times, such as when they’ve had to call for emergency medical help. I also value their straightforward and honest communication.”
In the short term, David has no plans to move on from our services just yet. Due to David’s complex needs, he is easily manipulated and risks being financially abused if he leaves the service. Staff are now working with David to educate him on financial independence with the hope that the local authority will find him a flat of his own when the time is right to move on.
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If you’d like to help make a tangible impact locally, you can donate to YMCA North Tyneside here. Even a small contribution can make a positive difference in the lives of young people in North Tyneside.
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