Faye* joined us at our Step Down project following a stay in hospital after taking an overdose. Here she recounts her story.
Read more about Faye and other residents’ stories in our latest impact report.
“When I came to Homeless Oxfordshire I was very depressed and my confidence was at rock bottom. I had just gone through a very difficult break up from an abusive marriage and I just couldn’t cope. I was worried about what would happen when I came out of hospital.
When I was discharged I was referred into the Homeless Oxfordshire Step Down program and was given a support worker and my own flat. I finally felt safe for the first time in years.
When you’re in a situation like the one I’d been in, it’s hard to know where to start rebuilding your life or how to do it. Having the confidence to take that first step or to trust new people was a real challenge.
At the Step-Down project I had regular one-to-one sessions with my support worker, and the team showed me consistency, which I needed. Slowly I felt more able to let my guard down and began to open up to the team there, which was a big step for me.
I took part in lots of the activities at the project like Tai Chi and gardening which helped me build my confidence. I started cooking with the staff and even helped cook Christmas dinner for everyone. It was such a boost to my self-esteem and helped me start to feel independent again.
I started feeling stronger and began to grow as a person. My support worker suggested I enrol on a dog grooming college course. It’s not something I would have ever thought of doing before but I completed the course and plan to begin a new career in that field. I had support to apply for my own property through Homechoice and I can’t wait to move in to my new home and begin living my best life.
It’s been a long journey for me which was made easier because of the team at the Step Down project. I am so grateful to them for helping me to rebuild my life.”
*Faye’s story is based on the real experiences of one of our residents, but her name and image have been changed to protect her identity.
