Meet Christina, who, after facing difficult times, found a fresh start and stability in her new home with support from St Mungo’s.
“Going back a bit, I worked in the NHS for eight years. Things were going well in my busy job, but a couple of years ago I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. It spiraled out of control – I lost my job and went through a relationship breakdown. After that I lived with my mum, which didn’t work out. I moved in with my grandma, but her home was overcrowded because other relatives were there too.
Finding happiness again
At that point, my local authority referred me to St Mungo’s accommodation. I was emotional when I first arrived but felt so welcome when I walked through those doors. It took some getting used to after all the change I’d been through, but I felt safe and had my own space. Throughout my time with St Mungo’s, it wasn’t just a roof over my head. The team found out my interests – things I’d lost the spark for when I was depressed. I was encouraged to revive my passions and completed courses in business, content creation for social media and graphic design. All things which help to control my emotions when I feel down.
Building my future
After 11 months, it was time to think of my next steps. St Mungo’s enrolled me onto a ‘Move On’ training course which taught me skills on managing my own home. Then the team helped me find a suitable property. Together, we went through my tenancy agreement and I was supported with the paperwork to get my bills sorted.
A place to call mine
It was a strange feeling when I moved, but so exciting. I had my own home! My grandma lives round the corner, which I love. And I’m enjoying making my flat feel like mine. St Mungo’s is still there if I need help, and my support worker checks in regularly to see how I’m doing. I feel content now and have the confidence to do something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m creating my own clothing line called ‘Capricious’, which I plan on launching later this year.”
“St Mungo’s has been a big part of my life and came at a time when I needed peace. I’ve been helped to sort my life out and have a break from everything that was going on. I finally feel so happy and having my own place to call home makes such a difference.”
