Seeing how transformational and life saving the support Jimmy’s provides is really incredible and we love to share that with our supporters because we couldn’t do it without them!
Trevor, one of our longer term residents, recently moved into his own home and has settled in really well. He is still being supported by Jimmy’s on a regular basis and is always welcome back for dinner and cups of tea.
Here is how Trevor made it from living on the street floor to his very own front door. His story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of a fresh start.
Trevor’s life took a difficult turn at a young age, leading him through years of hardship, loss, and homelessness. But, when he found Jimmy’s, he found stability, rediscovered his passion for woodworking, and built a place to call home.
“I loved school, it was my sanctuary, it was my escape.”
Sadly Trevor was asked to leave school at 14. Following years of abuse from his foster father he was finally kicked out of his home and left to fend for himself. He spent many years travelling round the UK.
Despite a difficult and nomadic upbringing, Trevor met the love of his life, Sue, in 1986.
“I met her when she came round my house with some friends. We had a son called Jake who was born on the 26th May 1991. It was the best day of my life.”
Several years later, tragically, both Sue and Jake were killed in a car accident.
“I took drugs to get rid of the pain and hurt of losing Sue and Jake. It destroyed my life. I am disappointed in myself for allowing myself to go down that route.
“I took anything that would take the memories and dreams away. I lived for about a year and half on amphetamines. Speed was my poison. It just lifted me up out of the hole I was in.”
Following some time in prison, Trevor found himself in Cambridge.
“I was lucky because I met Eleanor. Eleanor sat beside me outside Primark, and I remember her saying, “we are going to try and get you into Jimmy’s”.
“A few days later Eleanor came and found me. I was living on Barnwell common. I had built myself a bender (a house made from plastic and wood) to keep warm and dry. Eleanor said, “we have a place for you Trevor”. I literally just left my plastic home and went to Jimmy’s.
“I spent a year and a half at Jimmy’s East Road. The day I moved in my head clicked into place. I got clean and I’ve not had a relapse since. It’s phenomenal.”
In 2020 Trevor’s application for a fully furnished modular home was accepted. Previously a cabinet maker, he had the opportunity to rediscover this passion. Read on to find out more.
How did you come to move into one of Jimmy’s modular homes?
“I came and had a look around. As soon as I saw the place, I knew I wanted it instantly. I decided I was going to build a shed and do what I love, woodwork. I had forgotten it was my love and passion. It took six or seven months to build the shed. The first thing I brought was an old drill. I then got given a grant for £750 to get more tools.
“These last three years have given me time to stop and take charge and take reference. All the stupid things I’ve done and the good things I’ve done. I can’t escape or deny everything. I am 63 now. I’m trying to not fester, but to be creative. It is not always easy. My woodworking shed keeps me alive. I don’t ever want to leave here.”
What does it mean having your own front door and space?
“My story has been nothing but trauma, it is a relief to be here (in the modular home). I can just breathe and not worry about anyone being on my case. I am content here.
“I can shut my door and lock it. I can do what I want, I have freedom. It was just what I needed.”
You talked about not wanting to leave here, but do you think you will?
“A few months ago, I sat here and realised if I don’t move from here, I am blocking up the situation at Jimmy’s. I can’t do that, I can’t be selfish, knowing there could be another me out there.”
When someone has been through trauma it takes considerable work on their part to get to a place of contentment. Trevor has been open to the support Jimmy’s has to offer and it has been wonderful to watch Trevor grow and rebuild his life.” Antje, Housing Support Worker
UPDATE
As mentioned at the start of this story, Trevor recently moved on to his own independent accommodation in Cambridgeshire. Here at Jimmy’s we know this stage in someone’s journey can be difficult, with the potential for isolation and loneliness undoing all the good work they and their support workers have done over the years. This is why we continue to offer our support and take the time to help them integrate into their new community. We can only do this because of our generous supporters and donors. THANK YOU!
We look forward to providing a fuller update on Trevor’s progress soon.
Donate and help us support more people like Trevor here.
Trevor, left, and Matt Wiseman Housing Support Manager