Rick's story

Rick, a 34-year-old father and car salesman from Harrow, was facing an endless struggle after becoming homeless due to a family separation. Months later, he was given social housing but it was an empty shell and he needed help so that he could create a comfortable home for him and his four-year-old son to come visit…

“At one of the lowest points in my life, I found myself overwhelmed by the weight of family separation, the loss of my job and homelessness. After what felt like an endless struggle, I finally secured social housing, but it was nothing more than an empty shell. I had no way to cook or wash my clothes and I was sleeping on the floor. I was struggling with my mental health. I felt isolated, anxious and afraid that no-one would truly understand or help. Everywhere I had turned to before said no, without taking the time to see what was really going on in my life.

“Then I contacted Ben. From the very first call, the team was incredible. They listened - really listened - to my story. They gave me space to speak, to be heard and not feel judged. For the first time in a long while, I felt elated, like someone genuinely cared and understood what I was going through.

“The team at Ben took the time to understand my circumstances in full. They helped me navigate what support was available and showed me how to manage my budget so I could sustain my new home, including bills and daily living costs. Opening up about everything was difficult, it felt like tearing open wounds, but I came to see it as a blessing. It gave me the chance to start again, to build a future where I could feel like myself again, like a man with purpose.

“My case manager at Ben, who I fondly call my fairy godmother, guided me every step of the way. Thanks to their support, I went from sleeping on a cold floor and living off pot noodles, to having a warm bed, a fridge/freezer, a cooker to prepare proper meals and a washing machine. My home became a place of comfort and dignity.

“Ben’s help was nothing short of a prayer answered. It was a blessing that gave me the confidence and strength to get back into work. Before, I felt like a castaway, stuck alone on an island, shut out and turned away by everyone I asked for help. Without Ben, I would probably still be on that floor, stuck in a dark mindset that left no room for hope, let alone employment.

“Now, I feel elated. Words honestly fail to capture how grateful I am for what Ben has done for me. My house is a home, my new job is beginning, and for the first time in ages, I see a bright future ahead - one filled with security and stability for both me and my child. 

“I now feel equipped to face challenges as they come, one step at a time, knowing I can look after myself, my family, and our home.

“To anyone considering reaching out to Ben: do it. 100%. Their support is like life support. They understand people, and they know how to help.”

We’ve given this story a fictional identity to protect the individual's privacy; although the name is fictional, the experiences shared are authentic.

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