“The staff here [at The Passage] have always been very nice. They say whenever you’ve got a problem, don’t hesitate to come and talk to us about it. They’ve been really nice and approachable that way. It gave me that secure place to build these foundations and the confidence and self-belief that I can live independently.” – Alan, Bentley House Resident
Alan* has lived with mental health challenges for much of his adult life, alongside periods of substance misuse. Before his recovery, he had no fixed address and moved through unstable and often dangerous living environments where drugs and criminality were inescapable. His mental health made it difficult to work or stay settled, and although family and friends were still present, they became increasingly worried as his behaviour grew more unpredictable.
After stopping his medication, Alan’s mental health deteriorated sharply and he reached crisis point. He spent four years in a psychiatric hospital, working closely with psychologists to understand his illness and the factors behind it.
Reflecting on this time, Alan says, “The worst thing is that you only really get the help when something really bad has happened.” Earlier support could have prevented his mental health from escalating to this level, but the hospital stay did provide vital stability and a chance to begin again.
Like many people facing homelessness, Alan’s housing crisis was inseparable from his mental health
Without help at the right time, his situation worsened, affecting his relationships, wellbeing, and sense of self.
During treatment, Alan stopped fighting his diagnosis and made a conscious decision to rebuild his life, determined to prove that lasting change is possible.
“I said to myself, I want to be that statistic, possibly quite small statistic, that completely turns their life around.“
In August 2023, after several years of managing his mental health and remaining drug‑free, Alan was offered a flat at Bentley House as a ‘model citizen’ – someone actively engaging with services and staying abstinent from drugs. As one of Bentley House’s first tenants, Alan embraced independent living. He developed strong skills around budgeting and shopping and takes pride in keeping his flat clean and well‑maintained. Having secure accommodation at the right time helped protect his recovery and prevent his progress from unravelling.
Today, Alan has been clean from drugs for approximately nine years. He volunteers in the admissions department at a college, where he has built confidence and improved his digital and administrative skills. He has also achieved a Level 2 qualification with a distinction, averaging 92%, in Accountancy online. As his stability has grown, he has also begun reconnecting with his family and is looking forward to the future.
Alan’s journey shows what is possible when people receive the right mental health support before crisis becomes permanent. Earlier help can prevent long‑term harm, protect emotional wellbeing, and give people the chance to rebuild their lives.
Your support will ensure earlier help, and better mental health for this experiencing homelessness
“Alan arrived after experiencing severe mental health difficulties. Initially, he needed time to learn to trust staff and adjust to his new environment. Over time, with support and his own determination, he began rebuilding his life. He has since reconnected with his family, found volunteering opportunities, pursued education, and completed a Level 2 qualification in accountancy. Alan is a model example of how residents can transform their lives with the right support and motivation.” –Richard, Independence Coach at Bentley House
*The client’s image and name have been changed to protect his identity.