The Move-on and Prevention Service (MAPS) is a new project building on the success of the previous Winter Pressures Fund pilot. It aims to address housing need in Wolverhampton by supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness into the private rented sector (PRS) and other long-term accommodation options. The service is delivered by Good Shepherd in partnership with the City of Wolverhampton Council.
One of the people supported through the project is Paul. This is his story.
Paul spent 25 years working as a mental health practitioner, supporting people experiencing conditions such as anxiety, depression and psychosis. His life changed when he met his partner, Dawn.
When they met 10 years ago, Dawn was recovering from breast cancer. However, she was later diagnosed with serious heart and respiratory conditions.
Over time, Dawn’s condition worsened significantly, and in 2021 Paul made the difficult decision to leave work to care for her full-time.
Dawn moved into Paul’s flat so he could better care for her day-to-day needs. Despite limited external support, Paul was determined to help her maintain her dignity and independence. Dawn sadly passed away in June 2025.
“It would have been easier if she wasn’t such a nice person. But she was the nicest person you would ever meet. She never criticised, she was literally my best mate. We were always together, never apart.”
Following her death, Paul found himself grieving and alone. Having spent years caring for Dawn, he didn’t know what to do after she was gone. Paul’s alcohol consumption increased to the point where he had become alcohol dependant.
“ I didn’t realise it – never acknowledged it because it was just part of the social. Sitting in the garden, having a drink, you know, go out for meals, all that kind of stuff. And then when Dawn passed, Jeez, I went through a litre bottle of vodka a day, easily. But my only forgiveness is I always diluted it down. I always thought that was my justification. Then I started having DTs – the tremors. And I knew I had a problem.”
In July 2025, after a serious fall at home under the influence of alcohol, Paul was taken to the hospital with a broken fibula and fractured ankle. While in hospital, Paul disclosed his alcohol dependency and was supported to complete a detox with Recovery Near You.
After leaving hospital, Paul continued to work with Donna from Recovery Near You and started volunteering with the Service User Involvement Team (SUIT) in Wolverhampton. Through this role, he has drawn on both his professional background and recovery journey to support others.
At the same time, Paul was facing challenges with his housing. His long-term home of 16 years had become unsuitable due to ongoing plumbing issues, and rising costs on his rent made it unaffordable.
“They put the rent up. And I said to myself, I don’t know what to do. Literally, I was, thinking I’ve got like a two-man tent in my bedroom, I’m going to end up in this.”
With support from SUIT, Paul was referred to Good Shepherd. Through the Move-on and Prevention Service, funding was secured to cover his deposit, enabling him to move into safe, stable accommodation.
“The deposit on my new flat has been the foundation for me. It’s hard to move because I can still see Dawn there, but I’ll take her with me. I don’t think you know what you’ve done for me, what it means.
“I have no words to express my gratitude to all who made this possible. The support you provide is so valuable and precious to so many vulnerable and isolated people. You demonstrated how you intervene in time of need and crisis.”
Shaz Keyworker from the Good Shepherd said:
“Paul was at risk of homelessness when he was referred to Good Shepherd. Using funding from the Move-on and Prevention Service, we were able to support him with a deposit so he could him move into safe and affordable accommodation.”
Paul is coming up to 12 months sober in July. After moving into his new home, finding a new church, and continuing his volunteering. He plans to look for paid work and remains committed to his recovery and healthier lifestyle.
