Colin's Story
Happy Days exists to see homelessness reduced and vulnerable people empowered to live independent and purposeful lives. Each Happy Days Community resident works through a detailed support plan with their Community Support Worker and their Volunteer Mentor, giving them support in areas such as budgeting and life skills. Through team-building activities and community living they build relationships amongst residents, develop family relationships, and improve community integration.
In 2017, the Community Investment Fund provided Happy Days with a £5000 grant to enable their fantastic, life changing work.
Colin, one of the people that Happy Days has worked closely with over the past few years, had this to say about the affect they have had on his life: “Came to Happy Days whilst being a guest at the Calderdale Inn Churches night shelter. Happy Days has given me confidence. You lose it all when you’re down. You just don’t care. You lose all focus on life. With the help of Happy Days, I now confront my problems.”
Colin is clear about the importance of Happy Days support in helping him get his life back on track. “They listen. You can talk. They provide lots of support.
“I’m still struggling now. You’re never an ex-alcoholic. You’re always recovering.” Colin is currently seeing a counsellor to help with his alcohol problems. He’s now in contact again with his eldest daughter and is hopeful about building bridges with the rest of his family. He has been doing voluntary work with Happy Days and feels this is giving him focus and helping him to think about getting back into work, and eventually have a home of his own. “The best thing about Happy Days is they don’t push you. I’m still in recovery and I’m not ready yet, and they understand that.
“I’ve benefited so much from being here, from Happy Days’ support. I’ve still got a way to go, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.”