Phil’s lucky catch

Phil lives in a quiet cul-de-sac close to the centre of Newark. He has his own flat and enjoys going out to the nearby shops. He has a passion for fishing and finds peace sitting by the river watching the world go by and waiting for a fish to bite.

But life hasn’t always been this peaceful for Phil. He lost his mum aged 20 and found his mental health spiralling out of control. He battled with addiction to drink and drugs, spent time in prison and was repeatedly hospitalised with his mental health problems.

A place to call home

Everything changed for Phil at the beginning of 2023 when he was ready to be discharged from hospital and was offered a place to live at NCHA’s Lombard Street project in Newark.

The service provides supported living for people with enduring mental health conditions. Alison, the Project Manager, went to visit him in hospital and Phil had a chance to visit Lombard Street before deciding to call it home.

He says: “I knew straight away that I wanted to move in. It felt different to anywhere I’d ever lived before. The staff treat you like a human being. You can tell that they really care, and they make everyone feel comfortable being themselves.”

During his time at Lombard Street, Phil benefited from the experience of the team to help him manage his mental health. There was always someone available to talk if ever he needed it.

The team also helped Phil to learn the life skills he’d struggled with, such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, accessing support etc. It was the fresh start he needed to find his feet in life again.

As time passed, Phil found himself helping other residents who moved into Lombard Street. He’d welcome them with a cuppa and an offer to chat, or even just sit in companiable silence watching TV and letting them know he was there if they needed him.

When the time came for Phil to move on, he was lucky enough to be offered a flat in a nearby supported living home where he has his own space. Staff are still on hand during the day if he needs them. He’s come a long way, but he’s finally found the peace he needs.