For the past few months, our Housing First team have been supporting Max* through her struggles with alcohol addiction and anger. Over 60% of people facing homelessness say they use alcohol or other substances as a way of masking and coping with child neglect, abuse and other past traumas.
Housing First support worker Louise describes Max as “such a kind and thoughtful person, but the alcohol has really made her behaviour a challenge – anger being a big one.”
Despite these challenges, Max has recently completed detox and is now focused on her recovery:
“We’re finally able to do the ‘proper’ support,” Louise explains, “having the discussions we need, encouraging change and tackling issues the drink made disappear for her”.
Our Tackling Trauma, Ending Homelessness research with Northumberland University shows that 94% of people facing homelessness have experienced trauma, and being dependent on substances can be both an impact and coping mechanism.
That’s why our support teams place such importance on helping people rediscover the positive, everyday activities that can fill their time and rebuild trust and confidence.
Because of this, and to celebrate Max’s progress, Louise organised a trip to the cinema, something Max hadn’t done in “years and years.”
Louise and Max chatted openly during trailers about goals and aspirations:
“I find trailers are always where I get a lot of good reflection from people! And this gives us, professionally, something to work with that we can continue to pick up with them.”
Max stayed for the entire film, a huge achievement, and spoke about wanting to take part in more wellbeing days, like visits to museums, to continue her recovery journey.
Louise reflects: “This was such a huge thing for Max, but so often taken for granted by most of us. Giving someone a positive experience as a big ‘well done’ for their achievements really opens the door to the life they can have, and the ‘normal’ people crave.”
* Name changed for anonymity and privacy