It’s all about the people we are able to support on their journey. We are so excited when what we do has been of use to those we help.
Who better than the BBC to feature us in a film piece featuring a couple of the visitors to our drop-ins. We were fortunate to have them shed light on the hidden homelessness affecting not just our area but so many across the country. Thanks to the guys visiting us to appear willingly as they did.
Below are testimonials from those who have been kind enough to share their story.
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Anxious mother supporting her son
“You are amazing, service that is definitely second to none..! Thank you for your tenacity and sourcing of help and support. It really is much appreciated.”
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Brilliant help from “The Crossings”
“Cannot say enough about the help you’ve given me – really appreciate it…”
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My personal “Crossings” experience.
“Well where do I start; unaccustomed to struggling, having in the past owning my own homes, being a successful business manager and running my own business. Fast forward to 2021 during the Covid 19 pandemic I find myself unexpectedly homeless, penniless and somewhat down on my luck.
Staying on my brother’s sofa in Marchwood with nowhere to go and not knowing which direction to go, my sister in law mentioned a friend who worked for a local charity who assists those in need like me called “The Crossings”.
A text was sent, and replied to swiftly… I got some friendly help, some numbers to call, and what to expect which was so comforting to hear! I was being guided, assisted and comforted at the same time which was all so very welcome in my moment of desperation and need. I slept on the sofa feeling a little more relaxed that evening. She also invited me to a Saturday drop centre to meet the Project Leader and a couple of volunteers for coffee and a natter to see where, and what else they could help me with along this homeless road I found myself on.
I never in a million years expected to see myself in a church hall, on a Saturday morning attending a homeless drop-in centre having coffee, talking about my problems and getting advice but here I was, Saturday 10am I find myself at St John’s Church Hall in Hythe meeting that week’s helpful volunteer team, enjoying a nice hot coffee or three, some food, and a friendly ear to listen to my worries and concerns. The team here are amazing, friendly, loving, so kind and caring and do all they can to assist in whatever capacity they can. An absolute Godsend!!!“
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My arrival at “The Crossings”
“Hello, I am 47 years old and am local to the New Forest. This year has been one of my most difficult as my mental health was on a downslide. Suffering all my life from childhood trauma ADHD,OCD, and complex PTSD’s. One day I found myself in Hythe at my wits end and as I looked up I saw a sign at the back of St. John’s church. “Somewhere to chat, charge your phone, have a nice cup of tea and a biscuit” I believe without this, that could have been my last day. Really friendly people. There must be a God because it was like a shining star lightning my way that day. The team there are so nice it makes you feel part of something. The Crossings help you fill in forms, good if you have learning difficulties, and point you to where you need. Also help with benefits etc, they make you feel you are worth the trouble. I have now been diagnosed with ADHD,OCD, and Complex PTSD. I am so thankful for the Crossings and I owe them so much.“