Sarah’s Story
Sarah started using drugs at a young age after the death of her mum. In her twenties she became a mother herself, but found it difficult to cope. Since she arrived at a St Mungo’s hostel, Sarah has overcome all odds in her recovery and has recently moved into her own flat.
Growing up I lived in a noisy house. It was me, my two sisters, my Mum, my Nan and my Grandad. We got along well, I had a good childhood. But then my Mum passed away.
When I lost my mum, we lost the family home and I became homeless. I started using drugs to try to cope with everything and I became addicted. I felt lost.
Being homeless is exhausting. You never feel properly rested, you’re always on edge. At first I slept rough which was horrible. People are so quick to judge and they look down on you. I hope one day people realise that being homeless isn’t a choice. It could happen to anyone.
I started sofa surfing so that I didn’t have to sleep rough.
In my early twenties I gave birth to a baby girl. I love my daughter so much and I looked after her with my partner at the time for a while, but I wasn’t in a good place. The relationship was abusive and I decided it would be best for my daughter to be looked after by someone else.