Since my release from prison on 30/12/22, the support I have received from Friendly Faces' homeless outreach services has been truly life-changing. They have gone above and beyond to assist me in various ways, including helping me register with a G.P., connecting me with local drug/alcohol support services, and guiding me through the process of making benefit claims. When my time at the probation hostel ended and I faced challenges in securing accommodation due to delays from the borough of Camden, Friendly Faces stepped in. They not only provided me with a pop-up tent and a high-quality sleeping bag, but one of their outreach workers named Christian accompanied me. Christian set up the tent and stayed with me on the first night until the borough's street homeless team could verify my situation. This level of support exceeded any assistance I had ever received before.

Throughout the three weeks I spent in the tent while waiting for appropriate housing, Friendly Faces remained in constant contact with me, providing support and coordinating with the necessary services. They also introduced me to my first NA meetings and helped me establish connections with individuals who have become lifelong friends. Since Friendly Faces became a part of my life, I have remained clean and sober. This is the longest period I have stayed out of prison since 2000, and it marks the first time I have been completely abstinent from all substances since I was 10 years old. I genuinely could not have achieved this without the invaluable experience and empathy that the Friendly Faces team, particularly Christian, demonstrated towards my criminal addiction journey. They understood what I was going through and were always there to offer assistance.

Today, I am proud to volunteer with Friendly Faces' outreach in Bethnal Green. I am also pursuing an IT course and eagerly awaiting the next available Peer Mentor training. Additionally, I am a co-producer at the hostel I currently reside in, actively working towards improving the living conditions for residents and staff. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the love, support, and guidance I received from the amazing individuals at Friendly Faces. They have instilled in me a desire to lead a meaningful life as a valued member of society. By using my experiences to help others and demonstrate that change is possible, I am finding validation for a once-destructive past, just as Friendly Faces promotes.

Sincerely,
Damien McEvoy