Leonard Stocks’ success at re-settling rough sleepers into permanent accommodation has been praised by the housing charity CRISIS, who pointed to a 70% success rate as well above that achieved elsewhere.
Angela is a familiar face in Torquay. As a member of the Unleashed Theatre Company she has appeared on stage and in recent films which the group has made.
It is a sign of the steps she has made since arriving at the hostel one night homeless, and desperate “I was dependant on alcohol and I got into a violent relationship and nearly killed. “The alcohol took over my whole life, I could not do anything without a drink, I lost my job, my self-respect and eventually my house, ending up on the streets with no one to turn to.
“I can’t remember much of my time rough sleeping, when you drink you have black-outs but I recall sleeping in car parks, seafront shelters and someone’s garage.
“I felt vulnerable, lonely and isolated. One night I was freezing and thought I was going to die.”
Then Angela secured a place at the Leonard Stocks Centre: “Oh my God, it saved my life, it’s a brilliant place and the staff were amazing. I would not be here today if it were not for them.”
Angela battles daily against the pull of alcohol. She goes to Alcoholic Anonymous meetings most days and is on the 12-step programme. “I stay connected to people.”