Before arriving at Vincent House, Joanne was facing multiple personal and housing challenges. She had lost her children and found herself unable to afford her accommodation.

“I ended up losing my home due to a family break up and my children went to live with their dad… I couldn’t afford the house on my own and I ended up coming homeless because of it.”

Temporary solutions like staying with her sister weren’t sustainable. Due to her mental health needs, Housing Options recommended Vincent House.

“They said because of my mental health… it would be best that I came to this hostel rather than any other. They said this was the best one for me.”

Once at Vincent House, Joanne received holistic support that addressed both her mental health and practical needs.

“I’ve had different types of help… most of my help has been from the homeless team, the mental health team, and the staff here.”

Joanne has developed strong, trusting relationships with her key workers, who have all played a vital role in her progress.

“I’ve got a relationship with the staff now, so if I do feel things are worsening, I can just go and speak to any one of them.”

Joanne pinpointed a major change in her recovery when a new key worker, Collette, began supporting her.

“When Collette started, things seemed to get a lot better for me… she’s very approachable and listens to me.”

Joanne says her day-to-day life has transformed significantly since arriving.

“When I first arrived, I was very timid and shy. My mental health was very unstable… now I’ve got my medication sorted, I’m getting the right help and I can even sit in the front room. Before, I wouldn’t even do that, I just stayed in my room.”

Joanne now attends community groups and sees her children regularly, which has given her purpose and structure.

“I go to some groups at Lancashire Women. I pick up my daughter from school and see my older three on Saturdays. That helps me a lot and it forces me to get up and out.”

Joanne has also taken proactive steps to improve her physical wellbeing.

“Walking has helped me, I’ve lost two and a half stone. It’s boosted my self-esteem to realise I can get out without feeling so anxious.”

With support from staff, she’s also made changes to her eating habits after a diabetes diagnosis and dental surgery.

“The staff made sure I had something to eat when I had my teeth out. Now I don’t eat as much junk, and I don’t even finish a full plate and that’s a good thing.”

Though excited about the future, Joanne admits she’s nervous about leaving Vincent House. But the ongoing support she will received has reassured her.

“Ruth, my key worker, said they’re going to help with outreach after I move out. That’s a bit of weight off my mind, because I’m scared about being on my own again.”

She also recognises how far she’s come and feels hopeful. “I still get days where I think negative thoughts, but I don’t listen to them half as much as I used to.”

Joanne hopes her story inspires others in similar situations to seek support. She says, “I’d tell them there is hope. You don’t have to constantly do things on your own. Even in a crowded place, there’s always going to be somebody you can turn to.”

Joanne’s journey with Vincent House reflects the power of person-centred, compassionate support. Through tailored interventions, trusted relationships, and a sense of community, she’s not only found stability, she’s found strength.

“It is a lot better than what it was. I am trying to be proud of myself.”

Joanne