All too often it’s a series of events which lead to someone being homeless.
In this blog post, Simon*, who at 56 found himself living on the streets, shares his story.
Raised in what could be thought of as a middle-class family in Berkshire, Simon's childhood was marred by physical abuse from his father, leading him to leave home at just 14 years old.
From a young age, Simon had a passion for horses, and growing up next to a stable, he found sanctuary in that space. He gained an apprenticeship as a conditional jockey at the age of 16, but after a terrible fall left Simon with a broken back, his racing career abruptly ended when he was 24.
With circumstances forcing a change in career, Simon became a roofer’s labourer, and he later moved into working in scaffolding, getting qualifications to a high level. During this time, he also got married and remained married for 27 years.
Looking for a change of career, Simon became a pub landlord in 2006. At the same time, he started a successful scaffolding company, which enabled Simon and his wife to buy their own pub.
They ran this pub together for eight years, but sadly, their marriage broke down in 2014. As part of the divorce settlement Simon’s wife kept the pub and the stress of losing his marriage and livelihood caused Simon to have a nervous breakdown.
With no job or home, Simon sought a fresh start and bought a camper van to travel, and he also started a new relationship. Following the breakdown of this relationship, Simon decided to return to horse racing.
Simon was then dealt another curved ball; his health began to decline. Simon started experiencing fainting spells and dizziness, which ultimately led to job loss and the accommodation that came with it. Following a move to Shrewsbury for work that fell through, for the first time in his life, at the age of 56, Simon found himself homeless.
“I was sleeping out in town for three weeks,” Simon recalls. “I hid myself and wasn’t identified by the council as a rough sleeper. I felt too vulnerable and didn’t want to be seen as such.”
Eventually, he approached the Shropshire Council Rough Sleepers team, who introduced him to us.
“They [Shropshire Council Rough Sleepers Team] told me about winter provision and said I could sleep indoors and attend The Ark,” says Simon.
“The Ark has saved my life. I was really unwell when I came here and I feel much better already. I was sleeping in jeans and a jacket in the cold and found a safe place to sleep.”
“Working with Chris from The Ark I am finding my way. I have an appointment at the doctors for diagnosis for my fainting, and dizziness which they suspect is type 2 diabetes."
Simon is also looking for work. Highlighting some many challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness trying to get their lives back on track, he points out “I am going to the job centre but am unsure how I can work full time while carrying all my life in a rucksack.”
And trying to find permanent accommodation is hard.
“Craig from Shropshire Council has helped me apply for three studios; I have already been turned down for one as competition is fierce,” says Simon.
Despite the obstacles and many challenges life has thrown at him, Simon is optimistic about his future: “Without The Ark, I wouldn’t have the support I needed to get back on my feet. The Ark has given me hope.”
We will be publishing part 2 of Simon's story shortly!
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*Names have been changed