Will's story

Will’s mother passed away suddenly which significantly impacted his life. He found himself going downhill from there, which led to being homeless in 2008. He lived in a night shelter for a while after which he was referred to a charity where he worked in a kitchen for five years.

While it was an enjoyable job, he felt highly pressurised and had an accident at work which resulted in being hospitalised. After that he stayed in emergency accommodation and was connected to a Justlife Health Engagement Worker. She supported him with advice, filling out forms for benefits and providing cooking facilities. He participated in a weekly drop-in that Justlife ran and found about the Social Connections Project.

Will was matched with a befriender at the start of lockdown. All other support groups were no longer running, but Will was able to start his befriending relationship over the phone. He enjoyed weekly chats with Joe, his befriender, during the lockdown.

Once restrictions eased, Will started attending the Peer Support Group run by the Social Connections Project, and interviewed for and became involved in a steering group as part of the Common Ambitions Project.

He began to meet his befriender, Joe, over coffee. Will shares that they have lots to talk about and get along well. Will enjoys meeting others and getting involved in the community as part of his recovery journey. He feels supported and helped by Justlife, and shares how his experiences with the organisation have been positive and beneficial towards his wellbeing.