Nicola, Manager of Spring of Hope, tells us about one woman who is staying at the shelter and how she is trying hard to get her life back on track.

I was contacted by a member of the public regarding M, who had recently been released from prison. I arranged for her to stay in one of the emergency beds at Spring of Hope. Through contact with St Mungo’s, she was assigned a housing advisor and was able to stay in the night shelter. Our staff were then able to support her with her move on plan.

I remember when M first arrived. She was tearful and depressed. She had previously experienced violence and this has badly affected her mental health.

M is still staying overnight with us but has begun to blossom, which has been wonderful to see. She comes along to our day services, including the Women’s Health Hub (run by Homeless Health), the Beauty of Caring pamper sessions and creative wellbeing sessions. M also attends drop-ins with Safe Link (who provide women’s mental health and domestic abuse support services), who have been able to make a referral for M to receive counselling.  A referral has also been made to Welfare Rights & Money Advice Service (WRAMAS), who have supported M to be on the correct benefits to sustain her income, so that she will eventually be able to move on into her own accommodation.

M came along to the Spring of Hope Christmas event, where she was pampered and was offered choice of beautiful clothing and accessories. M was thrilled. She said,

“This is my Christmas, as I will not be receiving any presents this year. I’m not able to be with my children, so this has made me feel so happy”.

M continues to struggle at times with her situation and circumstances. Her mental health is affected, but through the services we provide in the day, the warm bed at night and the care and support she receives from the staff, M really appreciates everything.

inHope staff team had a time of praying for clients recently and we prayed for M because as she left the shelter that morning, she mentioned to me she was worried about a legal appointment later that day. I contacted her to let her know we had prayed. I wasn’t sure what her reaction would be, but she replied and thanked me and said it means a lot. I’ve let her know we will continue to pray and support her. M continues to access our day services and has begun to put prayer requests in the prayer box! How incredible. God’s hand is on this lady. The ministry through Spring of Hope is touching her and she is reaching out for prayer.

M is trying hard to get back on track, so that she can see her family again. I am so thankful to God that he has brought M here.

Find out more about Spring of Hope here.