Progression and Me – a Groundswell volunteer story

We spoke to Groundswell volunteer, Lee* about their experiences of Groundswell and how it’s helped set him on a good path for the future.

Lee says:

I think what I have found with Groundswell is stability for the first time in a very long time. And ability to be myself. I’m in a homeless hostel and I have to keep my head down. At Groundswell I can be open and honest and I am not judged.

If it wasn’t for Groundswell I don’t know where I’d be. I’ve had dark thoughts lately. My PIP was up for renewal and I was asked to go to my first face to face assessment.  I reached out to the Progression team, they coached me through it and attended with me. It was the first time in a long time I haven’t felt alone. I received the enhanced award – I can look to the future now I know I have a safety net.

Something else has been going on though. I got into trouble with my hostel and was served a final warning letter of eviction recently. I told the Progression team. I feel like they won’t judge me. At the meeting with my hostel manager and key worker the Progression team told them how I was a great advocate. And how some clients request me as they know me and trust me.  It’s frustrating because of course if I was evicted that would lead to relapse and who would that help?

I’m trying, and I’m so glad to have advocates in the Progression team I trust. Now I know eviction is unlikely I will work with my Groundswell colleagues on moving forward.