On a sunny, summers afternoon, our Senior Communications Officer, Sarah, visited one of the Hope into Action: Bristol homes to hear Kevin’s story. Accompanied by Kevin’s Tenant Empowerment Worker, Esther, they spent an hour in the garden chatting about Kevin’s life, how he became homeless, the misery of 10 years stuck in temporary accommodation and the fresh start he has found with Hope into Action: Bristol.  

Before we sat down to chat, Kevin proudly showed Sarah around. He was particularly happy to show off his room and it was important to him to let her know how he cares for the home and keeps it clean and tidy. The garden was impeccable and was a lovely, peaceful space to be.

“I’m Kevin and I’m 46. When I was 3, I was put into care because my parents done some nasty things to me. I was moved from pillar to post. I was very young and I didn’t know what was going on. I went to foster parents and stayed there most of my childhood. I went to a special school, but it was quite challenging because the lessons were beyond me and because of moving around a lot I was two years behind. I’ve come to know now that I have learning difficulties. I find it very hard to concentrate. So, I left school and started to turn a little bit – nicking money, going out with my mates, causing trouble around Bristol.

Then I left the children’s homes and I started to offend. It started at 25 and I was in and out of prison for 10 years. The sixth time I was in prison I sat in my cell one night and thought, ‘I’ve had enough of this.’ When I left prison, the council provided somewhere ‘temporary’ to live. I got counselling and had a really good Probation Officer. I wanted to turn my life around.

The problem was that the temporary accommodation was very bad. There was mould and dirt everywhere. I had a metal bunk bed. I slept on the bottom and my clothes were on the top. The day I left, I found mouse droppings under the mattress. I had one burner to cook on. I didn’t feel safe with lots of people I didn’t know. I called it ‘the dump.’ My mental health went downhill very fast. I kept going down to the council, but they kept saying I had the basics.

I met with Second Step (a mental health charity) and was seeing one of their support workers for about a year. They tried to get me somewhere else to live. After nearly 10 years, I was at my wits end. I couldn’t live in ‘the dump’ anymore. I thought about ending it. It took a few months, but then I was connected with Hope into Action: Bristol, who had two homes with spaces. We filled in the form together and then a couple of weeks later I met with Esther.  After sorting out references I got to visit the home with Esther. When I looked at what would be my room, I fell in love with it. I spread out on the bed and was so happy! There was a bench in the garden and I sat there, looking at the view and thought, ‘yes, this is for me.’

When you stay in a Hope into Action home, there is a local church where volunteers are trained and meet with tenants. They’re called befrienders and they came to meet me as well. It was intense! When I left, I didn’t know whether I got the room or not. Esther said she would call me in a few days, but it turns out that she called me that evening and said I got it! I was watching football at the time and I couldn’t believe it. It felt amazing!

The day I moved in was 9/3/2023. It was snowing and I was worried that the weather would mean I’d have to spend another night in ‘the dump,’ but Esther still came and picked me up! I’ve been here a year and a half now. I’ve had ups and downs but the support and love I get is unbelievable. I’m not used to it and find it hard to accept. My whole life I’ve been used to defending and looking after myself.

I’ve got two befrienders from the church: Liz and Dave. Liz really cares for me and treats me like a son. I’m not used that that. She asks me if I want something and I say no.”

Esther jumped in, “You’re getting used to what it’s like to be loved and be part of a bigger family.”

Kevin continues, “Yeah, I’m still getting used to it. Someone from the church asked if I wanted to go swimming, but I said no. I’m not used to friendship.

My experience of church before was being told what I can and can’t do. But you tell me not to do something and I’ll do it. Everyone in the church here has been different and I’m loved by everyone. I’ve been going to church regularly but I’m taking a bit of a break at the moment because I’m struggling mentally but I’m persevering. I’m still here. I’m a fighter.

In the 18 months I’ve been here, things have progressed for me. Esther is helping me fill in the PIP (Personal Independence Payment) form and I’m hoping to get a bus pass soon as well. It’s helped me a lot being here.”

Esther jumped in again, “The more I talk with Kevin, the more I realise he’s fallen through the net. He said he went to a special school, but his learning difficulties were never diagnosed. He has different needs that weren’t spotted. No-one has said to him, ‘this is what you need, this is where you struggle, and this is how we’re going to help you.’ Part of our responsibility is to get him the support he needs, dealing with all that’s happened in his life, all the trauma, and to find the right move on accommodation because he can only stay here for 2 years or so. Because he fell through the net and then started to get in trouble with the law, people just think he’s a troublemaker, but actually it was all a cry for help, ‘I’m struggling and I don’t know how to deal with my anger and it gets me into trouble.’ For me, this is where Hope into Action comes in with one-2-one support. I’ve got to know Kevin really well. We’ve had our ups and downs but I understand that he gets so frustrated because the system has failed him. And the system is broken so it’s hard to find the right support.”

Kevin continues, “During my time here, I’ve done some volunteering with a local charity, working on a van collecting furniture. It was hard, physical work and I sometimes struggled with people I didn’t see eye to eye with, but it was good, and I really enjoyed it.

I really thank God for Hope into Action. For all the people, especially the church and the people who invest in the homes. When I look to the future, my best dream is to get my own place. I would love that. I like my own space and independence. I want to see my son as well. Thank you to everyone who is helping me and to Hope into Action for this new place to live.”