OUR SUCCESS STORY:

Testimonies - Some of our Success stories & achievements-

Since the commencement of this programme few months ago, many of our clients (users), many of whom are vulnerable young adults, ex-prisoners, ex-offenders, ex-drug addicts, alcoholics, victims of family separations, those rejected by other establishments etc… have now found a new lease of life and good reason to involve themselves in various self development programmes which enable them to identify, develop and utilize their potentials.

Almost 70% are now attending local colleges to acquire various skills including basic computing, IT, Personal Development, English, ESOL, Literacy, Numeracy, music among others. Few are already undergoing a full time studies while few are planning to go to Universities for further studies. Almost all are volunteering (or willing to volunteer) for the organization while 20% have found full time employment since being involved with our rehabilitation programmes.

Furthermore, our rehabilitation programmes have become very popular with the majority of clients and Partners in Homeless sectors such as Day Centres, Night Shelters and Outreach services who find it as an alternative way to find suitable accommodation for some of the clients in their waiting lists.

Susan’s Story

Susan was just 18 when she left home. Susan could not cope with the mounting pressure of poverty, unemployment and her father’s persistent drug use within the home. Susan lived on the streets for five months around the Charing Cross area of London’s West End. After several approaches by drug dealers she left the West End and ended up in Camberwell.

Our MRV team reached out to Susan, offering her a hot meal and clean clothing, as well as friendship and an opportunity to discuss her problems. Over the course of four weeks we persuaded Susan to approach Southwark Housing Access Unit for the homeless. After almost seven months of rough sleeping, Susan was given a temporary accommodation and is now awaiting a permanent home of her own.Susan commented;

“I think the Millennium Reachout guys are great. They gave me a meal when I was starving and kitted me out with a pullover to keep me warm. They’ve also given me a lot of help in getting me off the streets. I don’t know who would’ve cared if they didn’t”

Gabriel’s experience

Our Legal Support team have also been very successful in assisting some of our clients, like Gabriel, to preserve and pursue their rights under our phase 4 programme. Our team met Gabriel while distributing hot meals and confidentially discussed his problems with our councillors. His case was being processed for accommodation through our Reachout Home Initiative (RHI) when he was unlawfully arrested & detained. We took his case to a solicitor while still in detention. Gabriel was released immediately upon solicitor’s involvement. The solicitor afterwards wrote to Gabriel,

“I am writing to inform you that you have a strong case for unlawful detention. The section under which you were detained was in itself unlawful and therefore you have a prima facie claim against the hospital. If you would like to pursue this claim, I would be extremely happy to assist you further.”

Our success story is unending especially with regards to the accommodation & rehabilitation services.