Bryan and Richie's Story

“I didn’t have anyone to call. I’d already lost touch with my family. Sleeping outside felt like the only option.”

Bryan, 33, became homeless after a series of changes in his life began to build up.

“Before all this, I was working, had my own place, just getting on with things. Then a relationship ended, my anxiety got worse, and I started falling behind on bills. It all caught up with me.”

After being evicted, Bryan reached out to the council for help. That’s when he was first connected with HARP.

“I didn’t have savings. I didn’t have a support network. I’d already lost contact with my family after coming out. There wasn’t anywhere for me to go.”

Bryan began sleeping rough.

“That first week was really tough. I didn’t have anything with me. No sleeping bag, no tent. I felt a lot of shame. I kept thinking, how has this happened?”

 

Finding support

Bryan was met by HARP’s outreach team while he was sleeping outside.

“They stopped and spoke to me like a person. That stayed with me.”

He was introduced to the Bradbury Day Centre, where he could access food, showers and support.

“Having somewhere to go during the day made a huge difference. It gave me a bit of stability again.”

With support from his key worker, Bryan moved into emergency accommodation, and later into longer-term housing.

“It’s calm here. Everyone’s been through something, and people understand that. It feels like a place where you can start to recover.”

 

A constant companion

Throughout everything, Bryan wasn’t alone. His dog, Ritchie, was by his side.

“Without him, I don’t think I would have coped as well as I did.”

“Having something to care for, something depending on you, it keeps you going. That’s why you see so many people out there with dogs.”

 

Moving forward

Bryan is now focused on rebuilding his confidence and looking ahead.

“I’m starting to think about work again, and what I want to do next.”

He’s exploring plans to build something of his own, combining his interests in gaming and fashion design.

“The support I’ve had has been huge. It’s not just about getting a roof over your head. It’s about helping you move forward.”

 

A message to others

“If you’re struggling, reach out. Even if it feels difficult.”

“There are people who will listen, and who want to help you figure things out.”