Neil started sleeping rough around two years ago. He was suffering from physical and mental health problems that had been exacerbated by life on the streets.
When he first started coming to First Base, Neil was sleeping under Brighton’s Palace Pier. After sleeping out all night, he looked forward to the chance to get warm and have a shower, put on clean clothes, and have a hot meal. More importantly, he was able to get support and advice to help him find a way out of rough sleeping.
First Base supported Neil to access temporary accommodation but after a serious deterioration in his mental health he was admitted to hospital. While he was in hospital Neil lost his accommodation and, on discharge, he returned to rough sleeping.
Neil again sought support from First Base as his mental and physical health was getting worse. His case worker supported and advised him, building up his confidence and self-esteem. He was supported to apply for accommodation and has now moved into a place he can call home.
When Neil first moved into his new home he had no possessions of his own, and realised he would need more help to maintain the changes in his life. His First Base case worker helped him to find bedding and kitchen utensils, and made referrals to the Food Bank.
With our continued and flexible support, Neil has now moved on from rough sleeping and has somewhere safe and warm to stay each night.
