Liverpool YMCA

Dougie presented to the YMCA with no family ties in Liverpool, as his family members lived in Aberdeen, Scotland. His ties with Liverpool were primarily associated to living with his ex-partner of three years and her son. Dougie had recently split with his partner and this resulted in him becoming homeless. He had never lived in a hostel environment before but did not wish to return to Scotland as he had become close to his ex-partners child and wished to remain in regular contact. Dougie was also hoping that there would be a reconciliation between him and his ex-partner.

Dougie had a past history of driving related offences and was on a probation order for a drunk and disorderly offence.

During the initial support session he acknowledged that when he drank excessively this often lead to offending behavior however Dougie often went without drinking for months and then tended to binge which he openly admitted he could not control.

Due to this the YMCA was keen to get Dougie invovlved in support for his alcohol misuse, further down the support route Dougie agreed to seek counselling and support from CIC.

Despite his remarkable progress Dougie had two set backs during his time at the YMCA and went out drinking for a few days although on those occasions they never resulted in delinquent behaviour.

Also during the initial support session Dougie informed the YMCA that he was in the armed forces for six years, it was explained that he may be eligible for financial and supportive assistance from the British Legion and he agreed that a referral be made on his behalf.

The referral was made and an assessment was carried out by the British Legion who confirmed he was eligible for assistance and informed Dougie that he could get up to £400 for a deposit on a flat plus one months rent in advance once a tenancy was secured. In addition he would receive a grant for all of his furniture, as a result the search for a suitable flat began in ernest.

After a 10 week period a suitable two bedroom property was found to enable Dougie's step-son to stay over and the British Legion was given confirmation and the landlord's details; they covered the deposit and on receipt of Dougie's furniture requirements arranged for deliveries from Argos to furnish the flat. Dougie later received a £100 vougher from TJ Hughes for a clothing grant.

During one of his keywork sessions Dougie mentioned that he would like information on recruitment agencies, as since leaving the army he had been employed as a ground-worker and labourer and only during the past six-months had he been unemployed.

Dougie was referred to Progress to Work and they helped him secure employment as a labourer, with the contract due to begin two weeks after his tenancy commenced within the privat sector.

For Dougie this was a very positive result as he also acknowledged the need to continue to receive support from CIC, as failure to do so could very well hinder his future progress and put him at a risk of further alcohol misuse.