Life Stories

Rosa’s Story

“I was diagnosed HIV positive in 1996, and was coping for a time, but last year my partner tried to kill me. I was so frightened I left everything behind and took the first plane out of Lisbon.

When I first arrived in London I didn’t know anyone. I worked long hours and then I got sick. After two months living on charity handouts, I collapsed and the hospital told me I had Hepatitis B, C and D.

I was offered temporary accommodation but it was filthy and unsafe and made me feel even more unwell. The door wouldn’t lock properly and I was scared someone could push it in. I had to leave. Lighthouse helped to get me income support and disability allowance, and they referred me to Hestia.

I met Ila, my Hestia support worker, soon found a clean warm flat for me, where I can make my own food. She helped me a lot emotionally. Then a couple of months ago I had a psychotic episode. I was in hospital for 3 weeks. Ila went with me to the hospital, helped me to talk to the doctors, and came to see me and take me for coffee. She made me feel normal, like a human being.

Now I am back in my flat and feeling better. Before I found Hestia, I didn’t have time and space to think. Now I can choose and cook my own food, study English and do voluntary work. It gives me dignity and helps me to value myself again.

I am going to start an Access to Higher Education day course at a college for women. After that, I hope to train as a solicitor fighting for people with HIV. I did two years of Law in Lisbon then I had to abandon it. At 18 I lost my dream. With Hestia’s support I have the opportunity of getting my dream back.”

James’ Story

“This place maintains me in a positive way. It has a very calm atmosphere. It’s good to mix with other tenants and because the house is staffed 24 hours a day, there is always someone around for reassurance. I am doing a computer driving licence course and also do layout and design for a newsletter using desk top publishing. I like to keep busy as it staves off too much introspection. I would ideally like to get a job using my computer skills.”

Amber’s Story

“After living in Hestia supported housing in Hammersmith for four years I went to Henderson Hospital, which is a therapeutic community of up to 29 residents. I stayed there for 1 year. It was all based on group therapy, which at times was very difficult, very emotionally draining and at times I wanted to leave, but I persevered so I could gain more independence and not be on any medication; of which you come off before you go to the Henderson. I needed to stay there, because if I didn’t I soon realised I would never come off medication and never be able to live my life. One of my hardest challenges was to accept that I had Bulimia and that I had it for many years. During my stay at the Henderson, although I had lost lots of weight, I needed to re-educate myself. Coming up to leaving, I started attending an eating disorder clinic. I soon realised that I was obsessed about my weight and body shape.

An eating disorder is very difficult to overcome. It’s not like alcohol or drugs which people can abstain from… EVERYBODY NEEDS TO EAT TO STAY ALIVE

With the eating disorder unit, I learned about the different foods and what they do for my body and what I can do to eat healthily and not put on weight. I know there are a lot of people that don’t eat breakfast, but it is the most important meal of the day – even if you only eat a small amount.

If you feel you have an eating disorder you can speak to your Supported Housing Officer or to your GP. Don’t leave it too late!

I have succeeded in being off medication for 3 and a half years and feel a different person. In July 2006 I moved into my own independent flat. For the first time I feel free!

Jack’s Story

Before moving to the Newlyn project, Jack was a council tenant who was socially isolated and bullied by neighbours. In his late 50s and with a long history of depression, Jack’s first hospital admission occurred when he was a teenager. He also has physical health problems which resulted in poor hygiene and diet and forgetting to take prescribed medication.

In a short time, Jack has regained some life skills and self respect, become more confident and re-established social contacts. His physical and mental health has improved and he takes pride in his appearance and new home. He is maintaining his tenancy and moving towards independence.

Leonard’s Story

“Leonard” was the first person to move to the new scheme in February 2005. He has a long history of offending since a young man including robbery, assault, indecent assault and grievous bodily harm. His most recent combined sentences were lengthy – a total of seven years. Upon his release, he first moved to a bail hostel on a post release licence before moving to the Hestia scheme.

He considers himself to be Black British and has two children from a previous relationship. Although contact with them was interrupted when serving his prison sentence, it is now continuing intermittently. In the past he has been categorised as a high risk offender but is currently considered to be of medium risk. Whilst he is no longer subject to the post release licence he is subject to the supervision of the local Public Protection Unit (PPU).

The mentoring support during his prison sentence and post release has helped him to come to terms with his past offending behaviour, accept responsibility for it and move forwards. He has been employed consistently since living at the scheme, first as a security guard and later as a fork lift truck driver following training for this. He is competent, has good social skills and with the help of the service and mentoring, has grown in confidence and maturity. Building on his success to date, “Leonard” now aspires to a future free from offending, in continued employment and with the stability of his own permanent home, so he can make a beneficial contribution to society.