Jon* is a 41 year-old male who had previously worked all his life.
Due to a drink driving conviction, he lost his job which ultimately led to the break-up of his relationship and Jon found himself rough sleeping for the first time in his life in December 2022.
Jon has been a heavy binge drinker since the age of 18, and his drinking rapidly increased to up to 20 cans of beer a day due to his rough sleeping.
He referred himself for treatment at a drop-in Rough Sleeper Drug and Alcohol Team (RSDATT) clinic in January 2023. His mental state was very poor at this point. After meeting him, RSDATT spoke to other agencies in Nottingham City and Jon was offered a room in a hotel the same day.
RSDATT also referred Jon to the Homeless Mental Health Team (HMHT) and supported him to attend his first appointment.
Jon was able to secure NACRO accommodation at this point through the probation service but he was bullied in this property, and returned to rough sleeping. RSDATT provided him with support through this period, gave him a space to vent, and bought him what he says is the best bacon sandwich he has ever had!
Jon was then able to secure further NACRO accommodation, which was more suitable. However, he was struggling with boredom which was increasing his drinking. RSDATT arranged for him to make use of the free gym passes offered by Nottingham Recovery Network, and this provided focus and a distraction.
Jon has been proactive throughout his journey with NRN, and has secured a place on a Peer Mentoring course with probation, which will lead to volunteer opportunities and potentially to a paid position with the probation service. Jon often says he is motivated by the opportunity to use his experiences to help others.
He has now been transferred to the core alcohol team at Nottingham Recovery Network and is more settled in his every day life.
“I’m so grateful for all the help you’ve given me. I want to tell people that the help is there, it just takes a bit of time”.
*Name changed for confidentiality.
