Darren’s story 

When my dad fell ill, I moved back in to look after him. We were like two peas in a pod – he was a real character and I was glad I could be there when he needed me.

But when he passed away, everything changed. I had to leave his flat and suddenly had nowhere to go. I ended up living in a shed just down the road. It was as awful as it sounds, but weirdly, I was grateful. It was a roof over my head and kept the rain off. That felt like something.

Then, not long after, my sister died of cancer. Losing both my dad and sister in such a short time broke me. I felt so alone and started to spiral. I didn’t know how to cope.

I was eventually offered housing through another organisation, but the place was horrendous. On my first night, there were stabbings. The next morning, I saw blood on the stairwell. I couldn’t stay there. I then moved into a small hostel room and stayed for a while – but I felt myself fading away there.

When I was offered a place at The Harbour Project at Your Place, I was anxious. But when I walked in for the first time and opened my own front door, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s exceeded every expectation.

The staff here are second to none. I didn’t realise people could be so kind. My keyworker is brilliant – she’s always there when I need her, and more importantly, she’s helping me to help myself. I’ve never had that before.

In a few weeks, I’m starting a course to get my CSCS card and get back into work. I can’t wait to be back on site, doing what I do best – painting and decorating. I’ve worked all over Europe, in Parliament, at Disney, and in multi-million-pound homes. One thing I know about myself is that I’m brilliant at my job. I’ve got a great CV and a lot to give.

What’s wild is that years ago, I used to volunteer over Christmas to help people experiencing homelessness. I never thought it would happen to me. But it did. I found myself begging on the streets for my next meal. It was so sad. I will never judge anyone sleeping rough, you don’t know what they’ve been through to end up there.

Now I’m in a completely different place. I’m starting to feel like myself again after a really tough few years. Because of Your Place, I’ve got the strength and the support to progress. And I’m a better person for being here.

This Christmas will still be hard. I’ve lost so many loved ones and I’ve got no family to go to. But I’ll be here, surrounded by people I get along with, who are in the same boat. And for the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful. Peaceful. Like I’m going somewhere.

Getting to where I am now from where I was? That’s a godsend. Honestly, I feel like I’m in heaven.