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

Charlotte Goss is a Support Worker with BCHA at Plymouth Temporary Accommodation and Outreach Service.

“The word which perfectly sums up how I feel about working with homeless people is ‘privileged’.

Through this role I have been privileged to have met some incredible people, among them some truly talented artists, poets and musicians. 

One such man had grown up in a rural community and had been homeless for most of his adult life.

He hadn’t been taught to read or write and he had suffered both physical and emotional abuse. He did however find comfort in playing the piano, which he had taught himself.

He told me he was able to direct his emotions into making music, and that music represented a place where he could feel calm and safe.

After I had been supporting him for while he confided that he had written a piece of music whilst in rehab for drug addiction.

I was absolutely delighted and incredibly privileged when he said he would play it for me, in a bid to express his feelings.

“It is often forgotten when rough sleeping is played out in the media that behind homelessness, drug abuse and trauma are people with dreams and passions.”

I will never forget hearing that piece of music, which for him represented his time as a drug user and his subsequent journey of recovery.

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

For me this story highlights the importance of our work in supporting those who are often the most isolated in society. And shows that by building a rapport and trust with our customers, our work can have an even greater impact.”