Robert is a local lad, he went to Rushey Green Primary school until he was expelled. This pattern continued through his education and by the age of 18 he was in prison. Released from prison at 21, still the challenges of life knocked him back. He recalls that his life was disintegrating. Back living with his mum, he was “ignorant, arguing lot and not taking responsibility" and this continued until she kicked him out. This led to time of sofa surfing in friends flats or trying to sleep in cars. By this point Robert was going to CGL, which is a local drug and alcohol agency, to get help for his drug and alcohol use. Whilst there he met a housing advice worker from Bench Outreach who talked him through his options.
Robert was referred to the Jericho Road Project for housing support. We interviewed him and offered him a place. He was one of those residents who quickly made the most of the opportunity. Being housed in stable accommodation with his own room suited him, he looked after his property really well, he met with his keyworker every time and he paid his rent. Importantly he addressed his addiction issues and got to talk about some of the important things in his life which meant he started to restore some of the relationships that had been broken. He started volunteering at the Feast where he joined the setup team in the afternoon and also the welcome team in the evening. He proved that he was reliable and trustworthy. Through this involvement he made a wider group of friends as well as giving him a focus to his Wednesday. One of the first weeks Robert came to the Feast he met a volunteer who used to be a teacher at Rushey Green when Robert was at school. And that was quickly followed by meeting a lady from King’s Church who was in the same class as him. These 'reunions' strengthened Robert’s connections – he was known and accepted.
As with all under 35’s on the housing project, Robert was introduced to a Centrepoint worker who helps people find educational and employment opportunities. Robert was interested in HGV driving and through a London charity called BEAM who have a crowdfunding website specifically support those who are (or have previously been) homeless, funding was made available for Roberts training. HGV driving involves a long process of theory exams and practical tests and I am delighted to tell you that Robert has now passed all his tests and is waiting for his certificate so that he can start applying for jobs.
The other significant moment this year was when Robert successfully moved into his own flat. He qualified for one of the places that we are allocated every year through Lewisham Council Housing Team. Robert has continued to take responsibility for himself and his property. He is now living a very different life to the one before he lived in a Jericho Project house. Robert continues to be involved in The Feast and every time I see him I am so excited for him. I am grateful that we have played a part in helping him and delighted that his life is going in a very different direction. Very soon he will paid to drive big lorries to new destinations.
Like many others, Robert's story includes our three key elements - relief, hope and connection. His story is an inspiration to other residents and is a testimony that lives can be turned around – he is definitely going in a new direction!