After working hard for 28 years, he was two years short of being able to claim a state pension when he needed it. He found himself living on the street and suffering with hyperthermia. Now he is living in over-55 supported accommodation and feeling positive about the future.
*This name has been changed to protect our guest’s’ identity
“I’ve been here in the UK since 1995. I was fortunate to have good employment as a dentist. I came over on a permit, and the money was good. I never had the need to ask for anything.
I planned for retirement, and I thought, “It can’t be that difficult. I’ll do it when I get there”. That was the mistake. You should plan well ahead because it takes time. I was self-employed and I was comfortable. You don’t plan and take action unless you need to.
I retired when I was 77. That’s two years ago. I had a plan to find a nice small apartment. And then I found some part-time work on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I paid for myself. I used my savings account. And after a while, I couldn’t sort my life out. That was a year ago.
So, I thought I would get the state pension because I didn’t ask for it after I was 65. I thought, if I can work and provide for myself, I wouldn’t need much at this time, because I’m old. When I came up against barriers with the pension, I just hit rock bottom.
My money was just about finished. I had a debit card, and £4,000 overdraft facilities, but I’d never used it in my life.
Someone told me about the Council’s emergency shelter. I went there because I thought this was my only option. People were sleeping on mattresses there. The staff were super-friendly.
The next morning, they helped me set up my pension. I was there for three or so months and my pension and housing benefit was then in place. Then they said to me they would send me to The Shelter MK at George House in Stantonbury.
The service at George House is the difference between hell and heaven, honestly. It’s vital. People don’t realise how lucky they are to get a place there when you have nowhere else to go.
You get the world off your shoulders when you’re there. You’re hiding there and you’re trying to work your difficulties out in your head. They make you feel at home and It’s just nice there. The people are nice. They make you feel welcome.
I couldn’t have asked for a better support worker at George House. She was outstandingly good with me. I could ask her anything and she was willing to go to the extra mile for appointments and advice. She helped get me on the register to be considered for supported accommodation.
If I needed to speak to her, she would make an effort to see me and make time for me. She found me a GP to see about my hearing, as it’s not good. If I go on the bus and I need to ask the bus driver something, I have to look at my app to see what he’s saying.
She also set up an appointment with Specsavers and they prescribed reading glasses for me. I’m fortunate my eyes are really good. What I don’t have in my ears, I make up for in my eyes.
We collaborate with Specsavers in Central Milton Keynes. Anybody who is in our service at The Shelter MK, no matter if they’re working or not, can get an appointment. They can get a free eye test and free glasses, because they want to support us.
I was about to give up before I got to George House, I really was. It was just good. The service is excellent, but the compassion that you get is just different to anywhere else.
Also, normally in life, you hand-pick your friends. The people that you have a close connection with. You put on a face in public, and you only share certain information. But when you live in a community like that, you have to abandon all those things because you need to fit in.
I got on well with another guest who was a sensible person. I could talk to him about anything. I was surprised to see him there. That was quite a nice time when he and another guest I got on really well with were both there.
When I think about my life, I will remember, number one, my time at George House. I really will.
At one point, I was really concerned about going to supported housing. But honestly, I couldn’t wish for better. My flat and the shared living areas are super-nice. I haven’t been here long, but, I have everything I need. I can even feed the ducks.
They get so many different people with different health needs here. I think the flats can be adapted so that when people’s needs change, it doesn’t mean that they have to move. They can carry on living in their own home.
Going back to my time at George House, all I can say is, if you ever want to think about whether you’ve done something good in life, think about me.”
Make a one-off donation, give monthly or put food in our cupboards and help our guests feel at home so they can look to their future.
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A customs clerk, a retired courier and a father. Hear how we’ve made a difference and helped these guests and former guests change their lives for the better.
Now works as a customs clerk
“I used to use the computer at George House to do my CV. Now I have a licence for export and import. The company gave me the opportunity also to study more, to progress in life. All of this came through The Shelter MK. Since I got that job, things have changed a lot. I’ve been happier.”
Is a retired courier
“When I first arrived, it was great. I had a room on my own. I mean, it was small, but it was comfortable, and the food was brilliant. I enjoy staying in contact with people at The Shelter MK. If there’s anything that I ever need support with, I know they’re only a phone call away.”
Is a father
“The team always listens to you and that’s important. Because, I think, as men, we’re all individuals. I really want to come back to George House as a volunteer. I’ve spoken to individuals there and said, “You’re in the right place. These ‘mums’ in here will help you.”
* Names have been changed to protect our guests’ identity
