The Good Shepherd’s street homeless engagement sessions, known as the Breakfast Club, has been running since Summer 2024 with funding contributions from Global’s Make Some Noise since April 2025.
The service offers people who have been rough sleeping the night before the chance to have a cooked breakfast, a hot shower, access to clean clothing and advice and guidance to help them back into accommodation.
Part of the Homeless Outreach Service, the Breakfast Club recently supported Neil who has been experiencing long-term homelessness back into accommodation.
Paul Burns Keyworker at the Good Shepherd said:
“When we first launched the Breakfast Club, Neil was among the individuals we supported who had been experiencing long-term homelessness. Through our early efforts, we were able to secure him accommodation. Unfortunately, difficulties with rent payments and limited engagement eventually led to him being evicted.
“Neil spent months living on the streets of Wolverhampton and was increasingly difficult to engage with due to his resentment at being back in that situation.
“Despite this, our outreach team remained persistent. Gradually, Neil began reconnecting with us and returned to the Breakfast Club, although his addiction often took priority.
“Eventually he came to us for assistance with medical treatment and we contacted P3 who provided an emergency bed during his treatment. Following this, Neil was offered accommodation, giving him the first steps towards a much-needed sense of stability.”
Neil pictured (centre) with staff from the Good Shepherd.
Neil is still engaging with our keyworkers and is in the very early stages of exploring recovery. It has taken months of consistent effort to reach this point, but his progress shows the need for persistence and compassion. The next steps will focus on supporting Neil through his recovery journey and helping him build a brighter future.