An update on Lorraine’s Story

“I’m the kind of person that doesn’t accept support. But I got to the point where I thought to myself I need help.”

Back in July, we brought you Lorraine’s story. Originally from Glasgow, Lorraine has a history of homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, and struggles with her mental health triggered by abuse she suffered as a child. Since December of last year, our outreach team have closely supported Lorraine in her transition away from living on the streets. Now she is adjusting to life in her new 1-bed flat.

When Lorraine moved into emergency Covid-protect shelter back in late March, we kept in regular contact via phone. Having previously lived a chaotic lifestyle, she initially struggled to adjust to the new normal.

“Borderline has really been there for me…you have really bent over backwards for me.”

At the end of July, Lorraine moved into her new 1-bed flat in Hackney, after a history of homelessness and insecure housing for almost the past two decades. She knows the area well, has a sister and brother nearby and her family now know where she is and that she is safe.

“I was really lucky to get this flat. I thought I’d be going back into a hostel.”

During lockdown, she also began to rebuild her relationship with her mother in Glasgow, with whom she had not been in touch with for some time. Now, her mother is planning to visit and stay with Lorraine in the New Year once quarantine measures have eased.

Lorraine was worried that our outreach worker Patricia would no longer be her caseworker after she moved into her new flat. At Borderline, even once a client has moved into new accommodation, we will continue to provide the necessary long-term support, and remain a constant in their lives for as long as they need us.

“The daily phone calls from Patricia have been an invaluable support for me.”

We have helped Lorraine with a clothing and resettlement grant to help her buy the items she needs, from a freezer to a washing machine. No matter the issues she has had, we have been there every step of the way to reassure and help Lorraine to sort them out as quickly as possible as she can become easily stressed dealing with this by herself.

“I feel really settled now after almost 6 months in the flat. It’s starting to feel like a home.”

Over the past year, Lorraine’s physical health has improved considerably. She has reduced her drug use, and she is scripted on Methadone which she takes every morning for now. “I want to wake up in the morning and be able to brush my teeth to and not rely on using anything to be able to start the day. I just want to get my life back in order.” Her mental health is ongoing and we have spoken about the possibility of counselling in the future.

Lorraine has come a really long way over the past year, and is feeling much more positive about the future. We will continue to be there for her for as long as she needs us.

*names have been changed to protect the anonymity of our clients.

If you are able to support fellow Scots like Lorraine at this time, please visit our donations page. 

*Names are confidential to respect anonymity of our clients