FORMER rough sleepers have voiced their experience being helped by Arc's Outreach team a new campaign to save the service is launched. 

The County Gazette has started a campaign to raise £40,000 to enable the service to continue helping rough sleepers across the county. 

The brave people aided by the team have explained their situations and how they owe their new lives to the work of the dedicated Outreach team. 

SAVE OUTREACH: County Gazette launches £40,000 campaign to fund vital rough sleeper services

Andy Bavin:

“I have struggled with my drug addiction for some time but I was able to give it up for 15 years.

“But after 15 years clean, I had a breakdown and turned back to drugs. This led to me becoming homeless. I spent one week sleeping rough and I really can’t survive sleeping on the streets, due to my physical health.

“After one week, I discovered Open Door, where the Outreach Team were based. I had a chat with them and they moved me into Lindley House the next day.

“It’s had a huge effect on my life. I am now managing my drug habit and am hoping to move into a dry house soon. Without Outreach, I wouldn’t be here, I’d most likely be dead. Without Outreach, we’d have more people on the streets and more people dying.

“When you are homeless and sleeping rough, you need hope and Sue / The Outreach Team are that hope. You know that they’re there and you know that they’ll get stuff done.”

David:

“I was in full time employment and an alcoholic.

“When my fits and seizures started, I ended up in hospital.

“I had to leave my job and home and had no one to go to and nowhere to go.

“A nurse at the hospital set me on the path to Lindley House and Open Door. Without their help and support, I don’t know where I’d be or what would of happened to me.

“I am now in a better place than I would have been. All the staff at Lindley House are here to help me and others, if there is a problem with residents, they do their best to sort and accommodate people’s needs.

“Sue from the Outreach Team has been a star, helping me and supporting me with my personal needs. I can’t thank them enough.”

Elisha:

“I had my own flat and a job and it was all going ok, but I suffered with a mental breakdown and couldn’t cope well.

“I had to leave my job and although I tried hard, I was unable to pay my rent and eventually I became street homeless. I had heard about the Outreach Team so the day I was evicted, I visited them at West Street Church in Bridgwater. I was moved into Lindley House the same day. Having a roof over my head was such a relief.

“Unfortunately, I faced the same situation again when I was at a really low point in my life. Sue and Tracy (from the Outreach Team), were coming to see me on a daily basis, and doing everything they could to get me the help I needed. It’s so nice to have someone there for you, to help fight your battles.

“I’d be messed up if they weren’t here. I’d still be homeless and not receiving the support that I need.”

Martin:

“When I think about the Outreach Team, I think about coffee in the mornings. Instead of just going to see rough sleepers because it’s their job, they will go and find them and bring them coffee. A coffee in the morning might not sound like a lot, but for someone who is homeless it really means a lot.

“We can’t just get up in the morning and stick the kettle on.

“I’ve experienced rough sleeping for a long time and struggled with my drug addiction. There’s a possibility I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Outreach.

“They give an invaluable service and don’t always get the gratitude that they’re owed. Without them, there would be a lot more deaths. “They’ve really helped me by getting me into accommodation and they’re always there for a chat and try hard to help you however they can.

“They’re really needed in this town.”

Phil Fieldhouse:

“I was a single dad and lived with my daughter for 18 years. When she moved out, I really struggled, there was a gap that I couldn’t fill. You become so lonely and this took over, and I turned to drugs.

“I slept rough in a tent for a year, I was handling things ok and then one night a group came along and beat me up badly. I knew about the Outreach Team so I went to see them. They got me into Lindley House the same day.

“I’ve never managed a consistent relationship in my life. But something you get from the Outreach Team is consistency. You can rely on them, they’re friendly and always care about you. If you went missing, you know that someone is there caring about you and looking out for you.

“They’re the link for homeless people to the world of support that we need. Without them, we wouldn’t know where to go.”

Russell:

“I lost my flat and there was nothing I could do about it. I went to the council and they couldn’t help. So I spent 4 and a half months sleeping outside, setting fire to wooden pallets.

“No one knew I was homeless, I kept it to myself. The council directed me to Open Door, so I went there which is where I met the Outreach Team. They really take you under their wing, they did everything they could to help me. I was moved into Norie House within 1 week. I honestly believe that without them, I’d be dead.

“They are the beating heart of Taunton when it comes to homelessness. Without them, I know that my life would be a damn sight different.”

To donate to the campaign justgiving.com/campaign/SaveOutreach.