Chantelle is a previous National Citizen Service (NCS) participant, who joined the programme through BCHA. Her fantastic and rewarding experience urged her to re-join the scheme as a team leader years later. NCS is a four-phase programme specifically aiming to provide young people with invaluable experiences to facilitate self-development. The scheme is designed to help […]
After Jane’s husband committed suicide in front of her, she turned to drugs in order to cope. As her habit spiralled, Jane ended up prostituting herself on the streets of Surrey to feed her addiction. Her mental and physical health deteriorated so much that she was taken into hospital – where she ended up in […]
The BCHA team wanted to start a renovation project at Henley Court, but funding cuts meant there wasn’t enough money to do it. But they wouldn’t let anything stop them, and got a team of 11 together to pledge to do a skydive at 15,000ft. The team raised just over £6,000, with the money helping […]
Brian Swann has recently retired from his role as Director of Housing and Support at BCHA, having worked with the organisation for over 23 years. During his time at BCHA he came to realise that homelessness can happen to anyone, and he believes Bchangemakers will encourage the community to come together to support all of […]
While working in construction, Daryl was also training to become a football coach on the side – but he needed to find a team to coach. He was introduced to a group of BCHA service users by his friend who had been helped by the service whilst in prison. Through working to create BCHA FC, […]
After a string of abusive relationships, Kaye ended up homeless in South Africa and alone on dangerous streets. With just the clothes on her back and no shoes, Kaye agreed to smuggle drugs out of the country, knowing that she would get caught and deported back to the UK. Kaye found herself living on the […]
Mai-Li believes that leaving a violent relationship is easy – it’s staying away that takes strength. After what she calls “the great escape” from abuse, Mai-Li and her sons made their way to Bournemouth’s women’s refuge. Thanks to the support there, she has stayed away, and achieved more than she ever believed she could. “I […]
