‘Roy’ arrived at Crossways in November 2025, having fled from another region due to serious threats of violence. Upon arrival, he was anxious, depressed, untrusting and struggling to engage with our support staff.
Roy’s childhood was marked by hardship and abuse. In his younger teenage years, he was recruited, exploited and coerced into a notorious gang, where he carried out illegal activities, often involving violence.
From youth offending to his late 30s, Roy endured decades of prison sentences, reoffending, and unstable housing. He lacked support and meaningful relationships, unable to break free from the gangs where he felt ‘owned’.
After settling into Crossways and expressing a sense of belonging and family, Roy’s confidence began to grow. He often spoke about wanting to change his life, leave behind his past and look for a happy and settled future.
Roy engaged with the mental health team, starting therapy and working closely with the drug and alcohol service. He reconnected with his children, some of whom he had never met, and his mother, whom he hadn’t spoken to in years.
At Crossways, Roy made many friends and often helped those less fortunate. He discovered a talent for cooking, assisting our volunteer cooks to prepare dinner for everyone on several occasions. He affectionately gave all the staff funny nicknames and became a real character.
The prospect of moving to other accommodation caused Roy significant anxiety, fearing he would lose the community he had found at Crossways. With support and encouragement, he attended an interview with a housing provider and was accepted for a room. The Crossways team reassured him their support and friendship would continue through Survive and Thrive, and that they were always only a call away.
Roy successfully moved into his new accommodation when Crossways closed in March 2026, and we have continued to support him.
