Here you'll find some of the journeys and experiences of people we've supported. Please note there are relevant trigger warnings [TW] with each story.
Homelessness isn’t a choice – sometimes it’s the effects of trauma, hardships, tragedy, and for Suzanne, it was the effects of many years of domestic abuse. Suzanne is now part of The Archer Project Team, working as both a Progression Support Worker and a Peer Mentor. [TW: domestic abuse, physical violence (described), child removal, self-harm, suicidal ideation, drug and alcohol use, prison, illness and hospital]
Paul's life turned upside down when he split up with his wife and went on to become homeless. Paul is now employed with Archer Project Enterprises. [TW: suicidal ideation, supporting someone self-harming (described), relationship breakdown]
Chris has lived through traumatic experiences that would be incomprehensible to most, including abuse, addiction and slavery. Chris is a keen writer and poet, and is now part of The Archer Project Team, working as a Peer Mentor. [TW: childhood abuse, addiction, slavery, drug and alcohol use, cuckooing, gaslighting, psychosis, military service, prison, poem about statistics on suicide]
Chris began working with Archer Project Enterprises over 8 years ago. He started in Just Clean and then moved into working with Printed by Us, and has since gone on to become a Peer Mentor at The Archer Project – "I feel deeply for those at the bottom because I know how lonely it was when I was there, and how I felt about those who tried to help me back up. I could try and help others back up, I could just listen."
Danielle was severely bullied at school, and not long after falling pregnant at age fifteen, she found herself homeless. Danielle was supported through Archer Project Enterprises and is now working as a Security Officer for Orchard Square. [TW: bullying, depression, experiencing homelessness while pregnant]
Danielle started working for Printed by Us right at its inception as Just Works in 2017. In this blog is a conversation between her and Chris, all about her journey and reflection on key moments through her recovery.
