Hello, my name is Valerie.
It’s hard not to get emotional when I think about where I was just a few months ago. When I came to Beam I was in a hopeless situation. After a difficult relationship breakdown, I found myself with nowhere to go, forced to sleep in my car. Without a permanent address, I couldn’t secure a job. And without a job, I couldn’t find a home. I was trapped in a cruel cycle that seemed impossible to break.
Every evening, as the night approached, I would feel a wave of dread wash over me. The nights were the worst—cold, lonely, and filled with fear for my safety. I have lived with PTSD for 15 years after surviving domestic violence, and all I have ever longed for is a sense of peace. Being homeless brought all that vulnerability rushing back. During those long, dark nights, it was difficult to see any light at all. But deep down I had hope and I was determined to find a way out of this.
For years, I had worked for the NHS, primarily in child and adolescent mental health services. It was challenging, often heart-wrenching work, but I loved every moment of it as I knew I was making a difference and helping others. All I wanted was to get back to that—to feel like myself again and live with purpose.
When I started my support with Beam I was very sceptical. After being let down so many times, it was hard to trust anyone or believe that things could change. But slowly, I began to see that the people at Beam really cared. My caseworkers listened to my fears, understood my needs, and stood by me every step of the way.
I searched for properties tirelessly, every single day. And then, after weeks of persistence and Beam’s support, it finally happened: I found a place to call my own. I can’t fully express the joy and relief I felt the day I moved into my new home. It was perfect in every way. There’s a cosy fireplace in the living room, and the walls are now covered with pictures of my children. For the first time in what feels like forever, I have a space that truly feels like mine—a place where I feel safe, where I can breathe, where I feel at home.
And now, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve just started a new job!