The first step from street to home

The Broadway Centre helped me find the faith to move on

I was welcomed by kind words and gentle smiles. I was given hot food and clean clothes so I didn’t have to walk the streets with my head lowered in shame. The greatest gift I received was a little dignity.

The Broadway Centre is a one-stop shop for the wide range of essential and often urgent services and support a person may need when homeless or vulnerably housed. It provides a mixture of practical and developmental help: access to health services, substance misuse, mental, health, working and learning and benefits advice, showers and laundry and much more. In addition, the Broadway Centre provides focused afternoon activities such IT, creative writing, ESOL and music to help improve people’s confidence and skills.

At the Centre, I found time to think and breathe in comfort. I began to care about myself again. After a few months, I felt confident that I would not squander any resources laid at my disposal, so I spoke to the staff, and they tirelessly made phone calls on my behalf, advised me wisely... They helped me identify my long-term solutions and supported my immediate needs. The Broadway Centre helped me to find the faith in myself to move on. I am indebted to them for my future. Without them I had none. The staff helped me believe once again, that I am a valid human being.

While being supported at Broadway, John discovered a skill in sculpting. He has plans for college and university and works as a sculptor. John says he is not sure if he will ever get over what happened to him, but always anticipates better tomorrows.