Real People, Real Stories

75 (40%) were aged between 18 and 25.  

65 (35%) were veterans. 49 (26%) were care leavers. All were currently receiving an intervention or treatment.

 102 (55%) had considered or taken steps to self harm or commit suicide. in the past 6 months. 

38 (20%) were classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and had no current pathway into either of them.

 155 (83%) feel that an organisation such as Ignis Lodge would make a positive difference.

135 (72%) feel that an organisation such as Ignis Lodge could directly help them in their position now.

 165 (88%) feel their outcome would be or would have been better were Ignis Lodge available.

 Jason is a veteran and after 10 years of service in the British Army, he has found himself struggling to adapt to civilian life. The structured environment of the military had given him a sense of purpose and direction, but since leaving, it's felt like a freefall. Despite his skills, potential employers don't necessarily see how his military experience applies to their workforce. He began to struggle with mental health just over two years ago, particularly anxiety and PTSD, but didn’t know where to turn for help. Jason has been drifting between temporary housing for the past year.

There is support available for veterans through specific charities and government-run programmes. It's high quality support and Jason has certainly benefited from it but those services are overburdened, not always joined up, and have a long waiting list for complex cases. Temporary housing, whilst providing immediate respite, cannot offer the structure needed for recovery. Jason is worried about his mental health worsening, increasing the likelihood of self-isolation. He cannot see a way out of being reliant on interventions and services. 

"I just want to crack on with life, you know?"  

 Sarah is a young care leaver having been in care since being a toddler. She couldn't wait to get into the world, but then that describes most young people. Sarah found work in retail but it's mostly seasonal and she feels that being able to gain other skills are beyond reach. Sarah doesn't have her own home and stays with friends. Despite trying to pay her way, she often finds it tough to make ends meet and has found herself with growing debt. Her doctor recently diagnosed her with depression.

Care leavers do receive support from the local authority, though the extend varies depending on the authority. There are charities who can sometimes help too. Sarah has simply fallen through the cracks and though a caseworker is trying to help, they have a large casework load. Sarah doesn't want to add more onto the casework but can't help feeling alone, unseen and unheard by the system which used to be there for her. 

"I don't want to feel alone anymore, I want to be me..."

 David is someone who has fallen into crisis after a series of personal tragedies. The most recent, at university, led him to a relapse in his dependency on alcohol. Isolating himself from the world, David soon dropped out of university and stopped playing sport - something he really loved. There is stigma associated with developing a dependency, and judgment that can often follow, even if it isn't intended. David finds himself feeling ashamed and struggling to face each day.

There are support networks and treatment options for those with a dependency on alcohol or drugs. But it's not always straight forward in how to access them. When coupled with unresolved trauma, and anxiety about your future, a person can quickly spiral. Even with the right help, at the right time, it can be a long road to recovery.  

"I have a choice in life, I just keep picking the wrong one."