I’m homeless. I’m living in a hotel in Glasgow City Centre. Some of you have probably walked past it. I’ve been in prison, I’ve been addicted to substances, I’ve been as low as you can go. It’s not easy, in fact it’s really, really hard. But I’m on the way up.

Help is out there. I wasn’t ready for it in the past. Even when it was staring me in the face and I knew I should grasp it. 

Now I’m ready. Simon Community Scotland are with me, they have my back. I’m accessing support regularly, pretty much daily. They’ve saved my life twice. Literally. I’ve been suicidal a number of times. Their Street Team saved me. One time someone held me to stop me from jumping into the Clyde.

They are still holding me, just in a different way. I go to their We See You group which gives me purpose and I’ve just started doing a college course through their Access Hub.

It’s cold where I stay just now, I’ve not got a kitchen or anything like that. Simon Community Scotland have helped me with kettle packs, food vouchers, a winter jacket and a sleeping bag to make sure I’m warm at night. 

I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for their help. I’m on the waiting list to get a flat and I know I’ll still need support after that. I know they will be there for me.

To support our Winter Crisis Appeal 2022, and help us help more people like David – and his faithful companion – please visit justgiving.com/campaign/wintercrisisappeal2022