Andrew's story

Andrew is a client living in supported accommodation following years of being on and off the streets of West London. Here he tells the story of how he was referred to St Mungo’s, how he’s worked with the Digital Inclusion team, and his hopes for the future. Listen or read below.

Mungo's Digital · Andrew's story

On and off the streets

I was on and off the streets since 1997.

It started when my mum and dad asked me to leave. Ever since then, I’ve been learning things and doing things on my own.

I was sleeping rough in West London on and off for years. When I wasn’t on the streets, I’d be at friends’ houses sleeping on their sofas, but I wanted and needed my own place.

During the winter, sleeping rough is hard and when the weather isn’t on your side, so cold. You have no choice but to take it day by day. It’s a dark and lonely place – I was getting robbed left, right and center, beaten up and taken the mickey out of. I was fed up and didn’t want to go through living on the street no more.

It leaves you with very little hope.

But then came a small glimmer…

A turning point

One day in 2017, I was sat in the council office, and they referred me to the Homeless Persons Unit who introduced me to St Mungo’s.

From that moment, life started to change, and with St Mungo’s continued support I’ve been able to rebuild a better life for myself.

I moved into St Mungo’s accommodation. They helped me with access to drug recovery services and introduced me to a counsellor. They even helped me to pay for my passport, so I had ID to open a bank account.

I’m currently in St Mungo’s supported housing now, and look forward to moving into my own home, which my support worker is helping me with. I’ll be able to take my hamster Tinkerbell with me!

I have a daughter and a young granddaughter, so having my own place will mean they can easily visit me. This means so much.

I’ve come a long way compared to where I was 3 years ago…

I now see my daughter and granddaughter, I talk to a counsellor every Friday and I’m also building new skills.

Moving forward

I’ve taken part in the St Mungo’s digital inclusion workshop. When I was first told about it, I thought I’d give it a go – why not? I learnt different things, some of which helped me to develop independent living skills.

And my confidence has grown.

Nothing beats the feeling of having security and feeling safe, to come and go as I please, and not be out there in the cold.

As I look to the future, with hope, I’d like to give back. Helping someone who like me, has spent far too long without a home.

Or, work with animals.

Support St Mungo’s. They were there for me when I needed it most.