Jan, originally from Poland, arrived here in 2014 with hope for a brighter future. But over the years, life’s challenges weighed heavily on him. When his marriage ended, Jan was left not just with heartbreak, but with nowhere to go. Forced into sofa-surfing, he tried to piece his life back together, but fate dealt another blow: a brush with the law led to prison.

On his release, Jan felt utterly lost. He found himself housed temporarily at a local pub under Covid-19 rules, with no access to public funds, his resources exhausted. Hunger became a constant companion, and he depended on charitable food parcels just to survive. The isolation and uncertainty were overwhelming—Jan felt invisible, adrift in a world where he had no anchor.

Everything began to change when our team met Jan through a Probation referral in early October. Our first priority was to ease his most urgent pain: hunger. Then, working together with his GP, we helped Jan reclaim his identity—opening a bank account, applying for benefits, and seeking settled status. Each step brought a glimmer of hope, but the journey was never easy. The barriers—proving who he was, where he belonged—seemed insurmountable at times, but we remained a consistent presence, offering not just guidance, but genuine care and encouragement.

Slowly, Jan’s confidence returned. With support, he found work he enjoys, discovered a sense of belonging, and secured permanent accommodation. Today, Jan lives in a place he can call his own, and looks forward to building his future—no longer alone, but with renewed dignity, purpose, and hope.