Some of the clients at Signposts have experienced extended periods of rough sleeping, and also have experience of substance misuse, poor mental health, previous abuse, or been involved with the criminal justice system. These clients often find it very difficult to pay their service charges (for food & utilities).
One example of this is Anna*, who is 23 years old. Anna spent her childhood in care, but ran away when she was 16 and has been rough sleeping on and off since then. Anna has been exploited and abused several times by people she thought she could trust.
When she came to Signposts, it was the first time Anna had been somewhere safe in a very long time. She is not yet psychologically in a place where she can budget and pay bills, therefore this funding will cover the cost of her service charges for the next 6 months, which will give Signposts' team time to work with her and support her.
(*Name changed)