HOW do you turn your life around when you are in your mid-50s, homeless on the streets of Torquay and estranged from your family?
Throw in the complication of addiction to drugs and alcohol and the future would be bleak for anyone.
But a place in the Leonard Stocks homeless hostel has made recovery possible for former plasterer Scott thanks to an incredible staff team, charity support and Scott’s own determination.
Scott was rough sleeping in Torquay town centre for 18 months after a family break-up left him homeless.
Scott said: “I started drinking, alcohol helps blunt your emotions and gets you to sleep. But it makes things worse. I hid myself away, anywhere to get out of the rain like at the back of the old Terrrace car park in Torquay. Winter was worst. I was out during the Beast from the East weather and just couldn’t get warm.”
After being on the waiting list for the hostel in Factory Row he eventually found a place. “I was evicted twice but I’ve learned my lesson. You have to behave here.”
And that engagement with the services he has been offered has helped him reclaim some of his life, like getting in contact with his sister again after an 18-year estrangement.
“I’ve been the problem but my family have never given up hope.”
Helping people like Scott recover their self-esteem and something of their old life is a community-wide effort. Scott always joins in the Friends of Factory Row meal and games night at the hostel run by our volunteers. He also accepted an invitation to go sailing with the Disability Sailing Association in Torquay.
“It was brilliant. I got to steer an expensive yacht!”
Scott used to be avid surfer and travelled around the Atlantic coast of Europe to find the perfect wave. Being back on the water again helped him glimpse a different life when he could pursue his passions once again, free of addictions and re-connected with family and friends.
“I’d be knackered without the hostel, now I have some hope”. said Scott.
Scott out sailing with the Disability Sailing Association in Torquay and re-discovering his self-confidence and appetite for life