Homelessness: Peterborough man thanks charity for getting him off streets

A man who travelled the world as a diving instructor before falling on hard times has praised a charity for helping him get off the streets.

Nigel spent three years sleeping rough in Peterborough due to PTSD, but has now secured accommodation in a hostel.

"On the streets people judge you, they just see through you," he said.

The Light Project Peterborough charity said the situation in the city was "tough" but it was "making a difference".

In the last two months, the charity has helped more than 80 people get a roof over their heads.

Speaking about life on the streets, Nigel said: "It's very difficult when you're trying to sleep because there's always some commotion.

"Somebody might just come and stamp on you, just for fun. They leave you feeling worse than you are.

"On the streets people judge you, they just see through you, think you're worthless."

If you are homeless, have money worries or are struggling with mental health, there are links to organisations that can help at BBC Action Line.

He said he ended up homeless when his money ran out, and said he "didn't have a chance".

"We're all one bill away from homelessness," he said. "When the money's gone, it's gone. Then suddenly, where do you go?"

Nigel went to the Light Project Peterborough, which has a drop-in centre and offers support to Peterborough's rough sleepers.

Its chief executive, Steven Pettican, said: "We need to do more and possibly don't have enough accommodation to match all of the needs of the people in the city.

"We work hard to have a hub of activity and work with others to get people moved into accommodation."

The charity works with Peterborough City Council, which said on any single night 15 to 30 people could be sleeping rough in the city.

It said it had helped get 260 people off the streets this year.

"Officers work at all different times of the day and night to locate rough sleepers, engage with them and offer them support," it said.

Nigel, who is now in a hostel, said he was grateful for the help he had received from the charity.

"There's hope. Having normality in my life. Somewhere to wash my clothes, sleep in a bed. It starts to get you back on track."

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