James’ life fell apart when he lost his beloved mother suddenly.
“I just shut myself off, I couldn’t cope,” James says. “I turned to drink and drugs to help numb the pain, but I lost my partner, my house, my job. Before I knew it, I was out on the street.”
James realised he would need to toughen up quickly. He says, “It’s hard to explain if you’ve never experienced rough sleeping. It changes you. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.”
James spent three years on the streets, sleeping in a tent when he could for extra shelter from the elements. But he was becoming increasingly desperate.
Then he heard about Julian House – and we were able to offer him a pod in our Bath emergency shelter.
“I arrived that evening, and I’ve never looked back. It’s not overstating it to say that the support and care that the Julian House staff have given me has saved my life.”
Now, he is exploring new opportunities to get his life back on track, supported by our key workers.
He says, “I’ve got a shot at turning my life around. For the first time in a long time, I’m not surviving – I’m planning a future. This place gives you more than just a roof; it gives you hope.”
