The Just Straight Talking team constantly and consistency go the extra mile to ensure young people are connected and protected. The team use innovative approaches to ensure engagement with support, advocating, mentoring and empowerment. Working with a bespoke package of support we help people to lead better lives and reach goals and ambitions from housing and health to employment, training and education.

Case Study

Thomas’ story

“I have had support before, but never with such a genuine and caring approach. Nothing is too much for Chris, and he stood by me every step of the way. I have never felt so confident that I won’t relapse again, and this thanks to the approach Chris has taken to help me to realise my true potential” – Thomas Beale, BBO Bridges Participant

Thom accessed the BBO Bridges project via an NHS referral and presented as homeless following a Mental Health breakdown that led to him losing his job, relationships and home. This meant that there was a lot of pre-entry work to be processed in order to get Thom secured on the project, and more importantly to safeguard against potential risk and harm as a result of his Mental Health concerns. Our first point of call was to establish a form of income via benefit to stabilise income, and then to put in the work to stabilise mental health and strive towards sustainable accommodation and eventually move closer to employment, education and training.

What we have achieved so far:

Thom spent 2 months in a hostel in Birmingham, where he kept his head down, avoided trouble and abstained from substance misuse.

• • Thom’s mood has stabilised and he is actively managing his mental health
  • During this time Thom developed a zest for reading and is now on his 3rd novel (first time he has made it through a full book)
  • Thom is now 3 months without using substances to self-medicate his Mental Health
  • Working in partnership with Jo Briscoe at Dudley Council Housing, we have secured a property closer to his comfort zone in Netherton.
  • This is independent accommodation, and Thom has maintained his budget to successfully manage his financial commitments.
  • To support Thom with this move we have accessed a VRF grant to pay his first two weeks rent (this allows him to focus some of his budget on items needed to furnish his place).
  • I have submitted a Glasspool Grant for carpet and fridge freezer.
  • DMBC have submitted a LWP grant for a cooker.

“I have had support before, but never with such a genuine and caring approach. Noting is too much for Chris, and he stood by me every step of the way. I have never felt so confident that I won’t relapse again, and this thanks to the approach Chris has taken to help me to realise my true potential”

The exciting stuff moving:

• • Thom has strengthened links with his family network, and he is regularly corresponding with his family.
  • Thom is now building Bridges with his ex-partner and they are forging a friendship (this is very healthy for him)
  • We have has lots of in-depth discussions around restructuring and moving forward, setting up and working towards a life that he wants and a future that aligns with his skills and desires.
  • Thom has started a Welding Course, part-time, evenings, and starts a separate course on Thursday for further Welding, both via Dudley College.
  • Towards the end of the month he will start a 4 week forklift course to obtain his licences.