Concrete customer George* had been rough sleeping in Hanley before the Brighter Futures Rough Sleeping team met him and referred him to us here at Concrete.

George was not only struggling with a heroin addiction but epilepsy too, which without medication was causing major seizures with paramedics being called to help him multiple times a week.

George was referred to Concrete on Monday 4 May and by Tuesday we had moved him off the streets and into a room at the Holiday Inn. When George arrived at the hotel there was food, clothes, support and even a welcome pack with toiletries to help him settle in. Within hours the team also contacted local chemists to help George get access to vital medication again.

“I couldn’t get over it” says George, “It’s brilliant and the support I received couldn’t have been any better.”

Since moving into the hotel George is taking his epilepsy medication again and hasn’t had a seizure since. He’s also taking a methadone script for his heroin addiction and is ready, in his own words, ‘to change my life!

Concrete Navigator Phil (as seen above) then helped George secure a place at a local rehab Liberty Farm through our partnership with Walk Ministries too.

‘The farm is beautiful. I was really nervous about going so my support worker went with me to visit which stopped me from feeling so overwhelmed.  With Concrete I feel better each and every day. I couldn’t be more grateful, I finally feel heard.”

When we met George he had no support and was in huge danger – not only with his epilepsy and heroin addiction, but at risk of coronavirus too. We want to help more people during this difficult time with food, clothes and other essentials, can you help by donating just £3 to buy a hot meal today? Please visit justgiving.com/campaign/ConcreteAppeal