Steve's story: From instability to hope through SPEAR’s support
When SPEAR’s outreach team first met Steve, 46, he was sleeping rough in Richmond. Though he tried to stay positive, years of instability, health issues and burnout had taken their toll.
Before becoming homeless, Steve had worked running several delivery franchises, including throughout the pandemic. The workload was intense – up to 18-hour days, seven days a week – while also caring for his family. The pressure was unsustainable and in early 2021 he suffered a major heart attack.
“I’d always been the one who kept going no matter what,” Steve explains. “But after that, I couldn’t keep up, and everything started to fall apart.”
After a time working as a chef and experiencing another heart attack, his situation became increasingly uncertain. He lost his accommodation following an eviction and, without a stable base or income, began moving from place to place, at times sleeping in a tent or outdoors. Despite everything, he made the life-changing decision to stop self-medicating with alcohol and cannabis, going cold turkey while living in temporary conditions – an enormous act of strength and determination.
Finding support with SPEAR
When SPEAR’s Outreach Team found Steve in Richmond, they took the first step in helping him turn things around. He was found a room in temporary accommodation and referred internally to SPEAR’s Mental Health Access Project, which supports people experiencing homelessness who are also struggling with their mental health.
With his keyworker Sam, Steve began focusing on his strengths, creativity and practical steps toward stability.
Through regular drop-ins and workshops, Steve has rebuilt his confidence and found a sense of belonging. He often attends SPEAR sessions to socialise, learn and stay connected. “It’s easy to feel trapped when you’re in temporary accommodation,” he says. “Coming to SPEAR gets me out, keeps me grounded and helps me plan for the future.”
Building a new purpose
With support from SPEAR and digital inclusion partner The Good Things Foundation, Steve received a free laptop – opening new doors for him. He is now developing a digital project that aims to connect people facing homelessness directly with local services and support.
“The idea is to help people get the right help quickly,” he explains. “If you’ve been through homelessness, you know how easy it is to get lost in the system. I want to change that.”
Though his journey is ongoing, Steve now feels he’s moving forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
“SPEAR gave me the chance to rebuild - not just my situation, but my confidence. I used to think I had to do everything alone. Now I know asking for help can be the first step to real change.”
