Mark’s Story

No one plans on becoming homeless. For Mark, it began in his teenage years as he clashed with his family, leading him down a difficult path. What followed were years of rough sleeping, drug use, and time in prison. But Mark’s story didn’t end there. With determination, the right support, and a moment of clarity, he turned his life around. We helped him find a place to call home, and now he’s thriving. Mark is not only pursuing a career as a chef but also helping others on the same journey to recovery, ready to take the next step into independence.

“I was living with my parents, getting into trouble with my friends – shoplifting, stealing, getting arrested, and brought back by the police. But things just got worse. I’d stay out for days, disappearing. I started using drugs – first weed and alcohol, then harder substances.”

“My dad and I clashed a lot. He was strict, ex-army, and Catholic. My behaviour didn’t fit into his world. It got violent, and he threw me out a few times. But I kept taking risks. I was unhappy, and using drugs helped me cope. Eventually, I got kicked out for good.”

With nowhere to go, Mark bounced between hostels, homeless services, friends’ houses, and children’s homes. He stopped focusing on school.

“I really gave up on my education – it’s something I regret now.”

Struggling with his substance use and still involved in petty crime, Mark spent years in and out of prison. His drug use began to affect his mental health, spending time in numerous prison detoxes as well as psychiatric hospitals due to drug-induced psychosis.

“I didn’t realise I was a drug addict in the making. I started using harder drugs to numb myself from everything; I wanted to forget the experiences I had been through.

“Some great services gave me food, shelter, and clothes, but my only focus was finding my next fix. I wasn’t ready to stop.”

A turning point

Years of being in and out of services and sleeping rough took a toll on Mark. He didn’t have much contact with his family and friends. He felt alone.

“I was at rock bottom. I had no one. Even my mates on the streets didn’t want to be around me anymore.”

“I spent about 20 years in and out of homelessness. I kept bouncing into prison, but I knew what to do when I got out – presenting as homeless to the council. I felt lucky to get housed but was stuck in this cycle.”

But in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, something shifted.

“This time, I came out of prison and just broke down. But it helped as something clicked. I started thinking, ‘Do I want to be that guy who never stops using, who dies out here?’ I felt this overwhelming feeling that if I didn’t act now, I might never get the chance again.

“I had enough of all the misery. I wanted to stop putting all this poison into me.”

Mark decided to get clean. With support from his brother, he connected with support groups, attended recovery meetings, and, despite relapsing a couple of times, kept going. COVID helped – getting him into emergency accommodation, which gave him the base he needed.

“I’m now nearly four years clean. Life is challenging, but I don’t have to use drugs anymore.”

Finding a home

After finding stability, our Tenancy Sustainment Team helped Mark move into his first independent home. It was a milestone he never thought he’d reach.

“For the first time, I had my own flat. I’ve had keys before, but those were homes with staff, cameras, and support.

“This was a blank canvas. I bought my first bed, set up bills, and wired up the cooker myself. It all felt new, but having a place of my own brought me peace.”

With the support of his Caseworker, Georgia, Mark learned to manage bills, set up direct debits, and navigate independent living – from council tax to reporting maintenance issues. He’s also paying off debts from his past.

“It’s amazing having Georgia. All that setting up of stuff can feel overwhelming, and she’s been someone I can just come to whenever I’m struggling with something, trying to navigate all the bills and passwords. I’m paying off my fines, bills and arrears from my life before – but they are a consequence of my actions.”

“I’m just happy to be where I am – in my own space, it feels precious. Having a home is to be treasured and valued.”

A new chapter

In full-time employment, Mark is working towards a future he could never have imagined five years ago. He now works part-time as a commis chef in a restaurant.

“I’m really passionate about food. It’s like a ceremony – the preparation, the cooking, the presentation, sharing it with people.”

“I had experience in training kitchens, but I couldn’t believe my luck when I got the role. I’m learning stuff all the time. It’s so interesting. You have to have the right attitude – hard-working and willing to learn.”

Mark also works as a Peer Support Worker for a rough sleeper recovery programme – supporting others who are struggling as he once did.

“The day I went for the interview, I walked past this McDonald’s that I used to beg for drug money. Sitting in my suit, I went inside and had a cup of tea. My eyes filled with tears; I was so grateful I wasn’t in that place anymore. It felt like my life has gone full circle.”

“It’s such a rewarding but challenging role – when you see people who are ready, like I was, their whole life can change. Some of the people I work with now knew me when I was on the streets. One guy saw me and cried – he couldn’t believe it was me.

“It’s a privilege to be part of someone’s journey, to help them find a way out. And I can make a difference. My life is just completely different now.

“I just had my first holiday outside the UK. I went to India for a wedding!”

Looking ahead, Mark plans to travel more, continue his education, and even learn to drive.

“The next step is finding a new property of my own – and the team here are going to help me do that. It doesn’t feel so overwhelming now.”

“I never thought I’d get here. But I’m living proof that people can change.

“Society looks down on people who are homeless or using drugs. People have spat at me. But you’re not a bad person if you’re a drug addict. It’s just someone going through stuff, a bit muddled up. One day, they will be ready for help, but it has got to come from them within.

“Homelessness is an experience – not a life sentence.”

Mark’s story is one of struggle, resilience, and hope. With the right support and his own determination, he has transformed his life. Now, he’s helping others do the same.