Before he became homeless John led an exciting life as a company medic with the Black Watch and later as the boss of a successful building firm.

After four and a half years serving with the Black Watch John set up his own successful building business in London which he was happily running when he was involved in a bad car accident.

Following the accident John suffered a nervous breakdown, and due to this breakdown his business failed and then his relationship ended.

John was evicted and forced to sleep rough in London for six months.  Finally, severely depressed and suicidal, he heard about and contacted Borderline.

John said, “It gets to the point that you will actually see someone throwing something away and you are so hungry you will pick it up.  You are degraded.  I was like a rat or fox – a scavenger.”

As John had served with the Black Watch regiment Borderline introduced him to Veteran’s Aid, an organisation which helps homeless veterans by providing hostel accommodation, financial assistance support and advocacy.

John was keen to leave London and return home to Scotland.  Veteran’s Aid was able to offer him a place in a hostel in Edinburgh, which is specifically for veterans and he managed to get himself sorted out and moved up to Scotland within 10 days. John now works at Vetran’s aid.

“I was able to help myself back on my feet because of the support I received.  Borderline helped me move back to Edinburgh where I am now very happily living and working”

You can make a real difference to people like John by volunteering, organising an event or making a donation.