“I was on the streets for 8 months and when you’re on the streets, you lose everything. Your respect, your hygiene, you forget things. I lost my birth certificate. I lost my passport. I got beaten up 3 times. I got robbed 12 times.”
Then, as winter closed in, Satvinder was referred to Branches, a homelessness charity in Waltham Forest which helps rough sleepers and homeless adults rebuild their lives. 80% of people referred to Branches have mental health needs and 50% have some dependency on drugs and alcohol. Lloyds Bank Foundation has invested £148,000 in Branches since 2019, as well as support to expand from a single hostel and take on a new property so more people can get help.
“My first time walking in at Branches – I went from sleeping behind a shop to what felt like being in a Travelodge. A clean bed, a decent shower. All yours. Then the help started.
“You can talk to anyone here – the receptionist, your key worker, the maintenance person. They’re all there for you, always there for you.
“And it’s such a good place to be. We’ve got CBT, art, Creative Café, pool competitions, the internet, fantastic food. And it’s safe.”
Branches helped Satvinder with accessing benefits and health services – even realising that he needed hearing aids, when no one else had pointed it out – and ultimately helped him move into his own flat.
“It’s like starting again. That’s the chance Branches gives you. They put everything together for you, so you can build a new life.”
Satvinder is one of 80 people supported by Branches last year.
people were supported into safe homes.
of people helped with budgeting felt they were more able to manage their money.
people got help with finding a job, including one who’s now a teaching assistant.
You can read so much more about the impact Branches makes on their website.
