When Tony arrived at Vincent House Homelessness Unit in Blackpool, life had hit a rough patch.

Ongoing health issues, including chronic pain and memory problems, had made everyday tasks overwhelming. “I was forgetting to pay things, missing letters… I even lost my benefit claim without realising,” he recalls. “One day I looked up and realised I’d lost nine months. It just passed me by.”

After a few nights on the streets, Tony was referred to the Emergency Bed Unit at Vincent House. The downside was that he had return to the council the next day to try again for a bed and did so for several days. Luckily, a more permanent bed became available for him at Vincent House and that’s when Tony’s journey of rebuilding his life began.

“I moved into a room, got three meals a day, a warm bed, a hot coffee, I was sorted. For the first time in ages, I could breathe.”

From the moment he settled in, the team at Vincent House wrapped support around Tony in both practical and emotional ways. “Dave was brilliant,” Tony says. “He sat with me, helped me go through forms, set goals, and put a plan in place, things like sorting my benefits, setting up a payment plan with the council, even just helping me get my head together.”

With Dave’s (Support Worker) help, Tony tackled issues that had built up over time: clearing debt, reconnecting with services, and managing his health. But it wasn’t just about ticking boxes, it was about empowerment.

“They didn’t do everything for me,” Tony explains. “They showed me how to do it, so I could do it myself next time.”

Tony also got involved in everyday routines at the unit, including cleaning duties, meal preparation, and learning how to cook. “There was a rota for the kitchens — everyone took turns. It got me into a rhythm. Dave would even teach us how to cook if we wanted to learn. That routine helped me get my memory back on track.”

Tony didn’t just receive support, he has also given back. As he gained confidence and stability, he volunteered to help freshen up the unit, painting rooms and supporting the team. “It gave me purpose. I needed to be mentally active, and helping out was a way of saying thanks.”

Since moving on from Vincent House, Tony has taken control of his life in a way he didn’t think was possible before. He’s now living independently and volunteers his time to help others, using his experience to inspire and support those in similar situations.

Colette, Vincent House Manager said, “We’re incredibly proud of how far Tony has come. He arrived at Vincent House at a really low point in his life, but with determination and the right support, he’s completely turned things around. Seeing him now, living independently, giving back through volunteering, and thriving it’s a real testament to his strength and resilience. He’s an inspiration to us all.”

So, what would Tony say to someone who’s struggling but hasn’t yet reached out for support?

“If you’re doing nothing, you’re not going anywhere. But if you reach out for help, there are people out there who will help you. You’ve just got to want it.”

He adds, “Sometimes, it’s just about planting the seed, that first thought of maybe I do need help. Once you’ve got that, the rest can follow. It did for me.”