Our stories

Gary’s Story

Gary, a resident at one of our Ealing services, has a history of alcohol dependence and a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis. He joined the service in 2018, after a mental health crisis and time in hospital…

Simon’s Story

Simon was referred to Pathways from Fleming House Approved Premises in Maidstone, where he resided for three months after serving a 2½-year prison term for arson. His long history with the criminal ju…

Richard’s Story

Richard has profound hearing loss and is a Registered Sex Offender. He has an ex-partner with a disability whom he helps care for, giving him a sense of purpose. Before being referred to Pathways for…

Joseph’s Story

Resettlement can be a challenging time for many. Joseph needed help to resettle in the community. He was living in temporary accommodation when he came to Penrose Synergy Universal for support to live…

Craig’s Story

Safe Ground has long recognised that the stereotypes, pressures, and expectations of being a man shape an individual’s identity, particularly in the context of the hyper-masculine, insecure and author…

Brendon’s Story

Safe Ground first met Brendon when it was suggested he might be interested in participating in a Man Up programme we ran at HMP Peterborough. Man Up is a group work programme designed to support young…

Homelessness – Sean

Sean was referred to our Pathways service from an Approved Premises, where he resided for three months. Prior to this, he served a two-and-a-half-year prison term. Sean has a history of arson offences…

Homelessness – Soren

I’m only a drink away – A story of progress The early years The first time Soren realised that he had a problem was at primary school. His teacher was cruel to him, sometimes tying him to a chair with…

Homelessness – *Wesley

“Just Ask for Help!” That is the message Wesley wants to send to anyone who finds themselves in similar circumstances to those he found himself in last year. He was homeless. He had hit rock bottom! W…

From Friendship to Love

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in October 2021 and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Two years ago we shared the story of love between two of…

Women’s Case Study – Domestic Abuse

Our CATE service is funded by Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner’s Grant Fund. It is a specialist outreach service, working in partnership as part of the Conditional Caution Path…

Men’s Mental Health/Homelessness Case Study *Brian’s Story

Sixty-year-old Brian came to our SIG Pathways Medway service as a self-referral. He moved into the area whilst working locally and was living in a caravan in woodland. Unfortunately, after some time t…

Men’s Substance Use Disorder Case Study – *Jonte’s Story

Treatment Prior to moving into our service in Ealing in October 2019, Jonte smoked cannabis and consumed alcohol daily’. He had been sleeping in a hostel in Ealing for months before his move in to our…

Homelessness & Complex Needs Case Study – *Dessie

Dessie has a long history of crack cocaine and heroin use, and engaging in prostitution to fund her habit. She also has a long history of street homelessness. Dessie has been in and out of services an…

Women’s Case Study – *Saffy

Saffy was referred to the CATE project by Azalea in Luton who work with vulnerable women who sex work and women who have or are experiencing domestic abuse. Saffy’s domestic abuse is historic, and she…

Wellbeing – Ben’s Story

At SIG, we try to take care of Residents and Participants’ physical, mental and emotional needs. Our Supported Housing Accommodations are not just places for them to lay their heads, we also eng…

Staff Stories – Liz’s story

I have been a member of Roots for 3 years. I had been a fulltime Carer for a while and heard about Roots and always wanted to come. To come here gave me my own space as its very calming. Then I became…

Volunteer Story – Geri

Geri is a volunteer at our SIG Penrose Roots to Recovery garden project. Sally spoke with us about how her volunteering journey started and has developed. “I have been a volunteer pretty much si…

Staff Stories – Sally

Sally had very troubled teenage years and was in care. She moved to London and had her two children. Her second child had a hole in his heart, so she spent a long time caring for him. She did cleaning…

Substance Misuse – Marvin’s Story

Marvin has been in the criminal justice system and has mental health challenges. He is currently engaged with Penrose Floating Support Services from our Enfield Service. With support from his Re…

Homelessness – *Mack

Mack was referred to our Pathways to Independence service in Kent, after he had been rough sleeping for 6 weeks. Prior to that he had rented a private room in a shared house. Upon assessment, it was c…

Homelessness Case Study – James

Homelessness is a growing issue in the UK and many find themselves homeless through a variety of reasons. Below, we feature James’ story of homelessness. He was helped by our Pathways to Indepen…

Forensic Mental Health-*John’s Story

History John is sixty years old with a history of alcohol misuse, illicit drug use, anger, and verbal aggression. John served time in prison on three separate occasions, and eight months in three dif…

Forensic Mental Health Case Study – *Kit

Kit is a middle-aged man with an unequivocal long history of violence and a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. His mental health was complicated and resistant to treatment because of polysubstance m…

Women’s Service Case Study – *Meryl

Services such as our Bridge House service, where pregnant women or those with young children can reside and receive help and support are vital. They provide a safe and stable environment at critical t…

Substance Use Disorder Case Study – *Gary

Gary, a Resident at one of our Ealing services, has a history of alcohol misuse and a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis. He joined the service in 2018, after a break-down and time in hospital, and was in n…

Suzana

Suzana shared her story with us, after she was supported by our Synergy staff. “I’m from Albania and my parents trafficked me when I was 18. I just remember my father telling me I have to…

Shane

Shane was supported at our Biscot House service. Below he shares his story. “School was problematic for me and I had some behavioural issues. I was then expelled from school at 6 years old! I ev…

Rose

Below is Rose’s story in her own words. Rose was helped during her time at our Bridge House service. “I broke up with my partner when I was 4 months pregnant due to emotional abuse and vi…

Elaine

When I was 13, I was put into an adolescent psychiatric unit after taking an overdose of paracetamol. My behaviour at school had been deemed intolerable. I had felt ‘different’ for some time and did n…

Duarte

Duarte was born in Portugal and had a normal childhood. He left school at thirteen after primary school as he had difficulties, especially doing exams. He began working in construction at fourteen wit…

Tom – Hope After Chaos

“I had a good childhood and my parents provided all that I needed.My first years at school were great and I made a lot of friends. However, things became difficult and I was diagnosed with colou…

Declan

“I want to start from where I am now and work my way back. It is easier to tell my story by starting with the positive. I am feeling reasonably positive these days because I’ve come a long way…