Leading Northern Irish homeless charity praised for life changing work, thanks to help of National Lottery funding

Having used alcohol as a coping mechanism for his mental health, Caolan left home at 18 and spent the next three years sofa-surfing before finding his own home.

But Caolan’s home was broken into on numerous occasions, which led to him experiencing a mental health breakdown which left him homeless.

After spending six weeks in a mental health clinic, Caolan left with just the clothes on his back and no one to turn to – until the Simon Community NI in Ballymena offered him a safe, supported place to stay.

Simon Community NI works without judgement to support people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.

A £500,000 National Lottery grant meant that the group could work with homeless people living in Simon Community (SCNI) accommodation, providing individual support and counselling, as well as group sessions.

The services available include specialist support to address issues such as drug and alcohol abuse to help people return to live fulfilling lives in their communities, while helping others reach a level of stability and begin to access the treatment they require.

A £500,000 National Lottery grant meant that the group could work with homeless people living in Simon Community (SCNI) accommodation, providing individual support and counselling, as well as group sessions.

While Caolan has had help with his alcoholism, he has also managed to deal with his anxiety and depression by working with his Wellbeing Practitioner Adam and going on nature walks, as well as volunteering at a local animal shelter.

“For the couple of years that I was homeless, I could never plan a few days in front of me, so I couldn’t have any foresight towards the future – I had no hope,” said Caolan.

“My coping mechanisms at the time were going out, using alcohol to escape everything. That put a big strain on my relationship with everyone, including my mum at home, which is why I started sofa surfing for three years.

“Adam has helped me with hospital appointments. I have recently started my driving lessons, so finally I am learning to drive and they have been a brilliant support with that. With their help and support, I’ve had an unrecognisable change – that’s using the staff’s own words.

“I’ve got plans now for the future and I know where I want to go to. The priority is getting back home and having a bit of security. Further down the line, I want to get back into full-time work again, so it’s slowly starting to take shape.”

Chief Executive of Simon Community NI Jim Dennison

Chief Executive of Simon Community NI since January 2014, Jim Dennison, said: “We reached out to The National Lottery to help and support and provide better care for people that come to us.

“They’re falling through the net of the health services, so The National Lottery allowed us to try something new, innovative and different to help people with complex issues. It’s worked brilliantly and it’s been life changing for people, it absolutely has.

“Our whole thing is ending homelessness, not just about tackling it. A large part of our success is when people come to us who are homeless, and we manage to work with them both on their own issue, but to move on to somewhere permanent, and support them when they’re there.”

Strictly Come Dancing star Neil Jones, who struggled with homelessness as a teenager, is highlighting the incredible support National Lottery-funded homeless projects have provided to people all over the UK during the last 10 years.

The 31-year-old professional dancer is now a regular fixture on screens across the UK, but just a few years ago he was in a very different position and, for a brief time, he even found himself sleeping rough on the streets.

With Christmas fast approaching, Neil is helping to highlight the extensive funding and support The National Lottery has provided to homelessness projects over the last decade.

Since 2010, more than half a billion pounds (over £576 million) has been awarded to more than 3,000 projects that involve or support homeless people or help tackle homelessness throughout the UK.

Strictly star Neil Jones has revealed his experience with homelessness as a teenager

Jones said: “With winter upon us and Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time of year to spare a thought for those who don’t have a home to go to or have somewhere safe, comfortable and warm to sleep over the festive period.

“It’s tough to think about the difficult things they’re going through at this time of year because it’s such a time of joy for most of us, but it’s important to recognise that there are so many people out there who really do need our help.

“Thankfully, there are countless incredible charities and organisations doing some really incredible work supporting homeless people across the UK with National Lottery funding.”

The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, alone has awarded more than 600 grants worth around £80 million to projects that involve homeless people since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic.

David Knott, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to provide much-needed funding to incredible organisations that are making an important difference to people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

“Whether supporting people experiencing homelessness to improve prospects for employment, supporting with mental health or providing a safe place where people can build their confidence and self-esteem, dedicated groups and their volunteers are working tirelessly with the homeless community, so that they are better able to overcome challenges and hopefully go on to prosper and thrive.”

Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £30 million goes to good causes across the UK every week, which in turn helps charities and organisations which support homeless people in our communities. To find out more about National Lottery funding go to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/funding.