All Stories

March 5, 2020
General

January 2020 marked two major milestones in Darren Alexander’s life – He turned 50 and with BCHA’s help he finally moved into his own council flat.

Darren’s Story

February 11, 2020
General

“Kirsty and Kerry from BCHA, along with my family, are the reasons why I am standing here in my own flat today. Without them I would be dead.”

Mike’s story

February 6, 2020
General

“BCHA gave us a support worker Carmela Richmond who literally guided me back to a life of hope”

Rachel’s story

October 8, 2019
General

"Growing your own food is inspiring and empowering"

Miles’ story

September 30, 2019
General

"Having a camera and learning about the oceans literally saved my life. I now love sharing my skills and knowledge to help others achieve their own goals"

Maria’s Story

August 22, 2019
General

"I feel like I’m really making a difference"

Adam’s Story

August 20, 2019
General

"The Festival of Wellbeing has become a highlight of BCHA’s calendar, highlighting the many fantastic organisations offering their support to people, often when they need it most"

The Festival of Wellbeing’s Story

August 13, 2019
Unemployment

"The support and training that I received motivated me to make significant life choices through my own personal development"

Stuart’s Story

July 19, 2019
Fundraising

"It was a great opportunity for us to come together to raise money and to gain a small understanding of some of the hardships that the homeless face every day and night."

Castle Court School’s Fundraising story

June 17, 2019
General

"I’d always wanted to work for an organisation where I was helping people"

Kari’s story

June 6, 2019
General

"I was asked by my advisor at BCHA what interested me. I said I would like to do support work and try to assist people, as I had been assisted"

Esther’s Story

May 20, 2019
Unemployment

“I’m proud to say that the future is brighter for many people thanks to Ignite"

Jamie’s Story

May 20, 2019
General

“New Directions helped galvanise opportunities which will help me into employment”

Elaine’s story

May 9, 2019
Fundraising

“I really wanted to show support for BCHA and the people they help in Plymouth”

Sophie’s story

March 18, 2019
Fundraising

"I hope to raise at least £2000 for Bchangemakers campaign"

Paul’s story

March 18, 2019
Unemployment

“I felt part of a team from the outset. BCHA invested in me, offering me training and helping me to develop."

Greg’s story

March 7, 2019
General

"I volunteer for a local cancer charity and enjoy every minute. I laugh...a lot and have time for others."

Nikki’s story

February 19, 2019
General

“She had been let down by the very people who were meant to love and support her.”

Sophie’s story

February 11, 2019
General

“I chose the job of a support worker because I am tired of people failing other people.”

Charlie’s story

February 11, 2019
Domestic Abuse

"Kylie handed me her razor blades and said she no longer wanted to harm herself and felt like she could now see a way forward in her life"

Kylie’s story

February 7, 2019
Homelessness

"My support worker Natalie has been lovely to me. She knows all about my struggles."

Courtney’s stories

February 7, 2019
Homelessness

"I remember looking at this lad not much younger than myself, and wanting to take away the shame and embarrassment he felt."

Alice’s story

February 6, 2019
Homelessness

"People had had enough of me and my problems and finally I started to see that they were really trying to help me."

Stewart’s story

January 24, 2019
Domestic Abuse

"I love working for BCHA. I want to give something back as I am an example of what you can overcome when you are given the right help and support and you really want to make a change in your life"

Vicky’s story

January 24, 2019
Homelessness

"It is often forgotten that behind homelessness, drug abuse and trauma there are people with dreams and passions."

Charlotte’s story

January 8, 2019
Mental Health and Wellbeing

“New Directions has given me a chance to see the working world differently.”

Jason’s Story

January 7, 2019
General

“The NCS programme developed my self-confidence – it taught me how to overcome challenges independently and cooperatively. I couldn't be thankful enough for the life skills it has given me”

Chantelle’s Story

November 26, 2018
Fundraising

“I’ve made the leap from NCS participant to a full-time staff member”

Alisha’s Story

November 21, 2018
Mental Health and Wellbeing

“Having the NCS students here was brilliant – they were wonderful and they brought such a lovely energy to the place.”

Tish’s Story

October 8, 2018
Unemployment

“I felt like I was struggling through thick mud and fog before I came to Ignite – and I ended up in the bright sunshine”

Janet’s Story

August 9, 2018
General

"I know if I was in trouble I could go there and they’d find someone to help me"

Jane’s story

July 19, 2018
Fundraising

"I hear either “BCHA has changed my life” or “BCHA has saved my life.”"

Colin’s story

July 12, 2018
Fundraising

"We’ve raised money for such an incredible cause."

The Skydive Team’s story

July 5, 2018
Fundraising

"Seeing what the young people have achieved makes me feel really proud."

Georgia’s story

June 28, 2018
Homelessness

"To go from homelessness to studying at University means a lot to me."

Emma’s story

June 21, 2018
Fundraising

"It's about the commitment, care and passion that all our team show towards our clients."

Brian’s story

June 14, 2018
Fundraising

"I have a passion for working face-to-face with young people."

Daryl’s story

June 7, 2018
Homelessness

"BCHA puts you back on track when you think you’ll never see the track again."

Sam’s story

May 31, 2018
Domestic Abuse

“The staff who welcomed me were indescribably patient.”

Janet’s story

May 24, 2018
Domestic Abuse

“I wanted my kids to be proud of their mum, and I wanted to teach them to never give up.”

Melissa’s story

May 17, 2018
Domestic Abuse

"I wouldn’t have what I have now if it weren’t for BCHA."

Kaye’s story

May 10, 2018
Domestic Abuse

“They talked me out of going back every single time I was crumbling and wanted to give up.”

Mai-Li’s story

May 2, 2018
Social Exclusion

“I want to help others by talking to them about the challenges I have faced in my life.”

Hannah’s story

April 26, 2018
Domestic Abuse

“The support we were given allowed us to move forwards with our lives without fear.”

Megan’s story

April 19, 2018
Fundraising

"I’m fairly hopeful that I’m going to finish the London Marathon."

Julia’s story

April 4, 2018
Homelessness

"Sometimes you go into denial a little bit and you don’t realise the help that you need."

Bill’s story

January 29, 2018
Social Exclusion

"I didn't see anything in myself that was worthwhile - SMILE has helped me instil confidence in myself."

Scott’s story

January 29, 2018
Unemployment

“To help other people make changes in their life is phenomenal.”

Charmaine’s story

January 17, 2018
Domestic Abuse

“For me, it’s gone from literally feeling like I’m drowning to piecing it together.”

Sarah’s Story

January 17, 2018
Homelessness

“People look at me and see that there’s a second chance in life.”

John’s story

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