Members stories

Crossing Lethe, a video about Art and The Wellspring.

Gary's Story

My adult life started when I was 15 years old, I had moved from my mum’s house and started living on the streets due to me having problems at home. My mum was a drug addict for a number of my younger years, crack smack and wiz were her main vices but any other drugs would have been welcomed by her.

Me and my mum were that alike, we clashed. We started arguing about little things, which soon became big things and the arguing turned into pushing and shoving, before long I was physically fighting with her. I was stabbed by her and beaten with a metal bar in return I punched her and knocked her out; I did this because I felt I had to. I took an overdose of 180ml of methadone. This resulted in me having learning problems and having to read and write again.

I lived on the streets for just short of 3 years before being sent to a young people’s residential rehabilitation project for alcohol misuse. After just over a year I moved out of the rehab and spent just under another year sleeping rough. During this time I started re-doing my g.c.s.e’s in the wellspring with the tutor. 5 years ago I couldn't’t read or write. Last year I passed my exams resulting in c grades.

The staff from the wellspring helped me secure a flat, as I kept being greeted by barriers every time I went anywhere near the housing. I’ve lived in my flat for 4 years now and I’ve started working most days in the wellspring too. I like helping those that helped me.

Gary.

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Beverley’s Story 

In October 2008, my ex husband took my children from me to live with him. As i had no court order stating that the children lived with me full time I was told that he was able to do that. I had to go to court to get them back. I could not handle being without my children as i had raised them for 4 years on my own and they were all I lived for.

I was a self employed cleaner and worked all I could to provide for my children. Without my children around me i turned to drink to try and cope without them and to blot out my thoughts of loneliness, but things only got worse. I ended up losing my job and could not afford the rent on my house because i was spending all my money on drink. Eventually I lost my house along with my self respect and dignity. I turned to my Mum for help, she let me move back in and tried to help me as best she could. The rest of my family turned their backs on me, even my Dad whom i was renting the house from wanted nothing to do with me.

I still had no contact with my children or any knowledge of how they were. My drinking became worse and my Mum could not handle this so she threw me out. I had nowhere to go and no where to sleep. I attended a detox programme and when I was discharged I went back to my Mum, but the damage had been done and she refused to help me. I wandered the streets for 2 weeks until i was introduced to The Wellspring homeless center. I found them to be very helpful I arrived at The Wellspring at 2pm, by 4pm they had found me a place in a ladies hostel, and gave me food and clean clothes.

I had been to various other places including the council but they were unable to help me, without The Wellspring I am not sure where I would be right now. I visit The Wellspring everyday and help out when I can. I have managed to stay away from drink and am doing a couple of college courses to help me return back to work. Going to The Wellspring has opened my eyes to homelessness and the effects it has on people.

I never thought I would become homeless but you never know what life is going to throw at you, I am getting back on track now thanks to The Wellspring.

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Aarons Story

My name is Aaron, i first came to The Wellspring when i was just 16. I had nowhere to live and needed help as i was sleeping rough wherever i could. I attended The Wellspring, the staff provided me with food, clothing and a place to have a shower.

I have made some great friends at The Wellspring, with no direction and no support i was not sure where i was heading, The Wellspring helped me get in contact with Stockport College 7 gave me the support and motivation to sign up for a course. I am currently doing a BTECH in Construction and Plumbing.

I am very grateful to The Wellspring as a service and to the staff for being there when i needed them even if that was just for a chat.

I am also indebted to the resident nurse Lucy, who helped me tackle some personal problems regarding STD's which i was ignorant to and i now have a lifetime supply of condoms.

In a nutshell without the support though my times of need that The Wellspring has provided me, i am not sure how my life would or could have turned out. I believe that this service is invaluable to anybody who is unfortunate to be in such a predicament. I am now settled in my own property and studying part time all thanks to The Wellspring and its staff. I hope The Wellspring can stay open for many years to come and continue to help disadvantaged people like myself.