Sat

Sat became homeless after his marriage broke down. He says:

“When you’re sleeping rough you don’t think straight. I never begged, borrowed, stole or did drugs. But I started drinking heavily. You lose everything. You lose your hygiene, you lose your brain. I lost my job, I lost my things in storage, and I missed my mum’s funeral. I was beaten up three times. I was robbed 13 times. My radio got stolen - that broke my heart. StreetLink referred me to Branches. It was like Premier Lodge! Branches helps to build you up. For the first time, I could have a proper wash. I saw a dentist, a GP, a chiropodist for my feet, a barber. Hot meals. Then they helped me with my benefits. I did all the courses. I learnt how to cook toad in the hole, and shepherd’s pie. I volunteered with them to collect donations for the hostel.”

Sat is no longer living there but they continue to support him:

“I have been clean for seven months now because of them. I used to attend the Alcoholics Anonymous meetings there every week, but then coronavirus and lockdown happened. Because we weren’t allowed to come close to other people, not even my GP, I had a breakdown in mid-July. I have depression and anxiety and I don’t want to be alone at home. I come to the hostel to play pool, have a sandwich and a nice cup of tea. They call me Uncle Sat. I’m here to help other people not to go through what I went through. I used to be embarrassed but I’m not anymore because Branches made me stronger. It is a lifeline for me.”