I moved to America and the Caribbean for 10 months, and I came back to the UK in January this year. From February to May I was homeless because I didn’t have anywhere to stay. I spent some nights sofa surfing with friends and family, and I even spent some nights sleeping in my car.
My friend told me to seek help from the council, and I was eventually moved into temporary accommodation. My mental health has suffered a lot because of everything I’ve experienced in my life so far. I don’t have any family here or many friends, and some days are better than others. I don’t see life in terms of any five year plans or anything like that. I just take each day as it comes, and I’m so thankful for every single day I have.
Beam has already supported me with my housing, and I’m so grateful! My priority now is to find a job and become financially stable. When I receive my first paycheque I’ll sort out my bills. Being out of work for a year and a half has meant I've maxed out my credit card. My priority isn't shopping or spending money, I just can’t wait to pay off the debt that's amassed throughout this period.
Even a small donation of £5 means a lot and goes a long way. It's so touching to see that people are willing to do that. I used to give to charities before, but I never realised how it actually worked. When I saw how Beam works and how willing people are to donate and help strangers, it really touched me. These people don't know me, yet they're willing to support me. This has all inspired me to be more charitable when I get myself back on my feet.