Andre's Story

Andre was first supported by P3 in Wolverhampton in 2025, when he was experiencing street homelessness. After a difficult period in his life, Andre found himself without a stable place to stay and was unsure of where to turn for help. Like many people sleeping rough, he was facing multiple challenges, including poor mental health and substance misuse, which made it even harder to find a way forward. At the time, Andre felt overwhelmed and isolated and didn’t realise how much support was available to help him move off the streets.

Andre adds, “Everyone on the streets has this idea that if you’re homeless you have to wait for the council, but there’s three things you have to do [if you’re homeless in Wolverhampton]. First you have to register with the council, from there they send you to P3 where they will provide you with a phone. You go back to the council, and then they will phone you to find out where you’re sleeping rough and the outreach come out to see you.” It’s a complex system that, without the right information, can leave people feeling lost.

As Andre explains, not having the right information is a barrier for a lot of people on the streets and if they’re already rough sleeping, it can be difficult to access clear advice about what to do or who to contact. People sleeping rough often rely on word of mouth, which can sometimes be confusing or inaccurate, and without a phone or internet access, it’s harder to reach services directly. For many, past experiences can also make them feel unsure about asking for help or trusting that support will actually be there when they need it.

Andre says, “Even when I got told [that] if I went to the council, I’d get a phone, I didn’t believe it. People on the streets have different problems – mental health, alcohol, some drug misuse. Even if I told some people that it’s only three steps, they won’t believe me.”

Andre explains that once he got the right support, his journey was “straightforward” and that he regrets not following the steps sooner.  His advice for people who are experiencing street homelessness: “If you’ve got mental health issues, or you’re on drugs, or any alcohol [misuse], go to P3. They’ll help you. Go to recovery near you, and the two [services] work together. They will find you somewhere, and if they can’t do it there and then, if you’re still sleeping rough, find somewhere safe to sleep and they will find you within 24 hours.”

Andre is hopeful for his future. He reflects that over the last year, homelessness and drug misuse have really taken its toll. Breaking his addiction and having somewhere safe to stay has helped him rethink his future options. He says, “My goal is to work with people that are homeless as soon as I get on my feet.”

Now, with the right support around him, Andre is starting to rebuild his life. His experience has shown him that change is possible, even after feeling like there is no way out. By sharing his story, Andre hopes to raise awareness of others who are experiencing street homelessness. He wants people to know that help exists and is more accessible than people think.

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