Mandy has had mental health problems throughout her life, and was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder when she was 27.
In 2012, Mandy lived in a one bedroom flat in Islington, London. After reconnecting with her foster family, she decided to give up her flat and move back home to be with her family.
After six months, her relationship with her foster family broke down and Mandy felt she had to leave. She had nowhere to live, so found herself sofa surfing for a few weeks. She approached her local council and was offered temporary accommodation, but was told she could not bring her dog, Skye. Mandy did not want to give up her Staffie, so ended up on the streets.
Mandy slept rough for two and a half weeks. She attempted suicide while she was living on the streets.
Eventually, a friend informed Mandy of a local church where she could get some food and shower. From there, she was put in touch with St Mungo’s and an outreach team approached her while she was sleeping on a bench and helped her move into a St Mungo’s hostel.
“I have had some highs and lows in my life, but right now I am on a high. My confidence has grown and I am very proud of myself.”
Mandy now lives in a St Mungo’s project in Islington which is for people who need some support.
“I am at a turning point in my life, where my life is more positive. I can honestly say I am doing things I never thought I would do. If it wasn’t for St Mungo’s I would most likely be dead, they saved my life.”
We conquered Snowdon.
On 21 June 2017 my friend Claire, who is also a client at St Mungo’s, and I led a team of St Mungo’s clients and staff up Snowdon. We raised over £40,000 for St Mungo’s.
Everyone deserves a home. St Mungo’s supporters gave us the chance to rebuild our lives. We wanted to do the same for others who are sleeping rough by raising funds and awareness for St Mungo’s.
We dedicated our walk to those who have sadly died while sleeping rough. We know that could easily have been us. Read more about our challenge here.
