Taking the first step off the streets: Hamish's story

Hamish arrived at the hostel on a freezing December night, visibly weak, malnourished, and struggling with his mental health. Although the hostel was full, staff offered him a ‘sit-up’ bed in the communal area under the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).

When SWEP ended, rather than turning him away, the team moved Hamish into the ‘staff pod’; his own room where he could begin to recover.

Hamish had previously lived in a caravan on a local site, which he had abandoned after it became uninhabitable. Determined to help him regain his independence, the team advocated with the housing association to allow him to keep his plot. They supported him in clearing the site, paying off arrears, and making it liveable again.

Working closely with our Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Boater outreach team, they secured support from the local community on-site, bought Hamish a new caravan and coordinated with adult social care to ensure he had long-term support when he moved back into his own home.

When the team dropped Hamish and his loyal dog, Winnie, at their new home, it was an emotional moment for everyone; marking the end of one journey and the hopeful beginning of another.