In this audio report Charlie talks about the way that working as a peer provides a bridge to recovery.  Peers can get used to working in a gentle and understanding environment rather than being forced back in to formal employment too early where they encounter triggers for mental health and addiction issues that may lead back to homelessness.

 

Charlie Radbourne has more than six years peer support and advocacy experience, sitting on many service user forums and local authority committees. Due to mental health problems, coming under CMHT and the Crisis team, Charlie spent eight months sleeping rough and in the local night shelter, then four years in a hostel / supported accommodation.