Real life stories

Richard

Richard’s Story

I was staying with my mother in Cleckheaton, my mother was experiencing domestic violence from her ex-partner, who was an alcoholic. Certain events occurred, which forced my mum to escape from the surrounding area, so that her children & herself were in a safe and secure environment where ex-partner, who has a retraining order, could not cause either her or the children any more harm. My mum wasn’t in any state of mind to be able to be on her own, I felt that it was in her best interests that I went with her, to help her out in the best way that I could & to stay with her until she felt that she could handle herself and so that she felt at ease. After moving into Derby and staying with my sister for a few weeks, my mum got a property of her own(rented) in the surrounding area where she felt safe & not in harms way. Because I went with her to Derby, the property where I was staying under Leeds City Council became classed as ‘abandoned’ and because of this, I lost the house where I was staying. After getting back to Leeds and contacting the council, I went to housing options and I referred to St. George’s Crypt. After acquiring a bed here, things were looking a little better. The staff here were very helpful with me. On the first night I was here, I did feel out of place. I’d never been in a situation like this before, but what shocked me is that the crypt fed, watered me and if it was needed, they provided me with clothing as well!! The staff here made sure that I was looked after and in the right state of mind to be able to look to the future and what would come of it, i.e finding a place to stay, sorting out my medication and looking for work. Now that I finally have a place that is secure and local. I am now a volunteer at the crypt and involved in many things such as helping out in the kitchen, working on reception and any admin work that needs to be done, clearing up in the garden(keeping things tidy!) and anything else that needs to be done. Working here has definitely boosted my self esteem and confidence. I feel a much better person, my life has completely changed, from having nothing at all & at a complete low, to feeling like I have a reason to continue, a will to live, having something that I enjoy doing and gaining experience in certain areas that will benefit me further whilst I am looking for work. I am also involved in a project at the crypt, which happens every Monday and Friday, working with a group called ‘Urban Sprawl’, which is a Drama theatre group for homeless people in Yorkshire, of course other people can come on the day and check it out for themselves!!