Cel’s story: “I don’t know where I’d be now”

She spent 11 years sofa surfing and sleeping rough, between stays in temporary accommodation and poor-quality rented flats.

During this time, Cel’s partner passed away, and she was assaulted. She frequently turned to alcohol to cope with her trauma.

When she came to us for help, we housed her in one of our hostels. We also helped her get counselling and access support services to manage her drinking.

Cel met with her support worker at our weekly Porchlight Open Door (POD) meetups. These are places the people we support can go to socialise, learn new skills, and get advice. We run them so people who have experienced homelessness or struggle with their mental health don't feel cut off from others.

When the time was right, we helped her find permanent housing. She’s now been in her own place for over a year.

“If it wasn't for Porchlight helping me and coming to the POD, I don’t know where I’d be now.”

“I owe Porchlight a lot.”

Cel now volunteers at a Shelter charity shop, which she really enjoys. She’s been there six months, has been promoted to keyholder, and is responsible for opening two days a week.

“I love it. It keeps me occupied. When I’m working, I don’t think about drinking, and my mental health is better.”

She says she’s doing much better now – she’s drinking less, her mental health is improved, and she’s fitter. She’s also learning piano and plans to start taking part in fitness sessions.

This time last year, Cel was spiralling daily. She'd given up completely. "Since coming to Porchlight I’ve come a long way, I've completely turned it around," she says

"Without the right support, I don’t think I’d be here today.”