“They saved my life and allowed me to start a new one”
Neil was desperate – he was homeless and addicted to both alcohol and drugs. Thanks to the Whitechapel Centre his life has been transformed – now he works for the very charity which helped save him…
Neil Davies is 50 and his life is back on track. But he had dark days, and spent 18 months homeless - on and off between 2018 and 2023. He explains, “My addictions were alcohol, drugs (cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy and prescription medication) as well as a terrible eating disorder - bulimia and binge eating.
“I had issues throughout my life with homelessness or couch surfing, or what is also called ‘between places to live’ but for me the definition of homelessness is not having a safe place to live or sleep. Putting yourself on the streets in danger or in any other precarious situation.”
I was in big trouble
“After 30 years of addiction, I found myself homeless in Liverpool. I was in big trouble, facing the streets and had no other options. I was without any family or friends and was unemployable due to my being homeless and addictions. It was January 2023 and I was rough sleeping and in a terrible state. “The police picked me up and dropped me at the Whitechapel Centre in Langsdale Street as they could see I was in a health and mental health crisis. While there, I had seizures so the staff got me to the Royal Hospital in a taxi.
“I was in the Royal for 23 days while I detoxed from alcohol, drugs and prescription medication abuse. I was supported by the Whitechapel Centre through every step. Sarah, from the hospital inreach team, brought me clothes and a phone and suggested that I might think about a rehab clinic, which planted a seed in my head. I made a choice to seriously ask and get help. Mentally and physically, I was in a terrible mess.
“Over the next year or so, Whitechapel supported me with emergency accommodation, getting me into a rehab clinic, then more permanent accommodation, continued addiction support, food banks, housing information and much more.
“The Whitechapel Centre believed in me all the way - it was a massive first in my life.
Giving back
“I wanted to give back and help those in need and in danger of homelessness and in addiction. So when I finished rehab I started volunteering at the Whitechapel Centre. It was then suggested by them I might apply for a full-time job and to my absolute delight I got the position of Progression Coach with the Pathways project. Now I’m giving back and helping those in need just like I was in need over two years ago. It’s a dream come true. I love what Whitechapel stands for.
“Simply put, I would not be where I am today if it had not been for the Whitechapel Centre and all of those involved - they saved my life and allowed me to start a new one.”
