Helping to get people off Bristol’s streets

The impact of rough sleeping can be devastating to people’s lives and the road to recovery is about far more than a roof over their heads.

Bristol’s homelessness crisis continues to escalate, with numbers on the streets estimated to be around 86 in a given night – but this figure is just the tip of the iceberg and fails to take into account those in temporary accommodation or sofa surfing.

St Mungo’s outreach team supported 940 people in coming off the streets from November 2016 to October 2017.

While women represent about 17 per cent of the caseload, the charity says this is because they are more likely to remain in dangerous situations, perhaps with a violent partner or sex working, for longer in order to stay off the streets.

The numbers of young people forced to sleep rough are also rising at a particular high rate, with youth homelessness charity 1625 Independent People reporting a 34 per cent increase in the number of referrals of people in 2016/17, compared to the previous year.

While each person’s situation is unique, often complex and can include several relapses on the road to recovery, the first step is accepting support.

For Lucy, the life-changing moment came when she turned 50.

“Sat in prison with no way of celebrating was the final straw for me. I had wasted years of my life in addiction and sex work. I decided now was the time to reflect, detox and find myself,” she recalls.

“I realised if I didn’t engage with the support on offer I would remain in prison.

“I was on the streets at 12 years old, drinking and smoking weed, mixing with people older than me. My nan took me in when I was 14, but it was too late: drugs were an emotional crutch and I wanted to bury myself in them. I had no inhibitions or guidance.

“By the time I was 15, I was taking everything on offer, speed cocaine, anything. I was in a cycle of toxic relationships and domestic abuse and pregnant by 21. This set the pattern for my life and I thought it was okay to be treated this way.

“I was introduced to sex work by a female friend as a way to make some ‘quick money’, but I really can’t remember any of it. It’s just a blur. I had no feeling, no soul. My life was so cut-throat. I felt I had to be like that to survive. You lose your identity, smothered in alcohol and drugs.

“I have been clean for four years and living in a women’s hostel run by St Mungo’s for a year now. I am waiting to hear about my next step this week, moving into my own place in a housing association.

“I am studying for a degree and I am working for a helpline that offers support to others who are going through abuse, violence and victimisation.”

Representatives from Bristol City Council and 1625ip at the launch of the Bristol Youth MAPS service

St Mungo’s teams go out four times a day to connect with people on the streets and continue to offer them a space every day.

The charity says that some never engage, but outreach workers can still check on them and ensure they are safe.

The Bristol Pathway, a £5.3 million per year housing and support service, was launched in November 2017, aimed at providing better and more consistent support services for those who need them.

“Helen Denyer, regional head for St Mungo’s said.”“People can and do recover from a period of homelessness but it is far more than a roof over their head.

“It’s about supporting people to sustain that roof and to feel confident in managing their household bills, looking for volunteering or job opportunities and learning to be part of the community again.”

Anyone who is concerned about someone sleeping rough  can make a street referral via Streetlink.

Read more: ‘I started drinking at the age of 10 because I was bullied’