From surviving to thriving: the importance of a place to call home.
When I joined Emerging Futures as CEO, I was returning to the sector after 15 years. What struck me is that, although as a society we are better at talking about mental health, it is still deeply stigmatised. In our homeless services, so many people I speak to have been pushed into isolation and despair, have lost their homes as a result, and have begun self-medicating with substances to try to deal with that trauma.
At Emerging Futures we believe that everyone deserves somewhere to live, something to do and someone to love and that stability, safety and dignity should be afforded to everyone. This World Mental Health Day and World Homeless Day (October 10th), we’re focusing on how these issues are deeply connected – and how recovery becomes possible when people get the right support.
“I’d lost my dignity, my family and my sense of self,” says James Lock, now a Service Manager at Emerging Futures. “Before recovery, I was caught in a relentless cycle: stress at work led to burnout, which led to heavier drinking and drug use, which in turn cost me my health, my job and my relationships. Eventually, I found myself homeless and at breaking point.”
AN ALL-TOO-FAMILIAR TALE
James’s story is not unique. Mental health struggles and homelessness are often two sides of the same coin.
According to Homeless Link research, 80% of people experiencing homelessness report a mental health issue, and 41% use drugs or alcohol to cope (Crisis). These numbers aren’t abstract – they represent real lives pushed to the edge by systems that stigmatise rather than support.
This creates a devastating, all-too-common cycle: trauma drives self-medication, which feeds addiction. Addiction, in turn, worsens mental health, pushing many towards homelessness. Without timely support, lives are at risk.
But when support is there, the outcome can be radically different.
THE RECOVERY JOURNEY
James’s turning point came at Emerging Futures’ Northgate House in Gloucester, where he spent twelve months in supported accommodation. “When I first moved in, I was told it was a place I could fall apart, and they’d help to put me back together. I was able to address my mental health, I was able to address debts that I’d built up and I was given the opportunity to train as a Recovery Coach.” Today, James is leading others on their own recovery journeys, showing what’s possible when compassion and stability are offered.
At Emerging Futures, we know recovery isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about dignity, a safe place to call home and consistent support tailored to the individual’s needs. And it’s about reminding people they’re worth it and that there is hope.
FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING
This World Mental Health Day and World Homeless Day, let’s remember that lives can and do change when people are offered safety, recovery and support – and that we all have a role in making that possible.
James’s story highlights the risk of being left behind and the potential of being lifted up. Life doesn’t have to be about surviving. With the right support, it can be about thriving.
Claire Bloor, Chief Executive Officer at Emerging Futures
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If you’ve been affected by anything in this article and need help, you don’t have to do this alone. Get in touch and a member of the team will respond as soon as they can.
Email: info@emergingfutures.org.uk
Tel: 03330 124 714
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