The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
From sleeping rough to ‘being welcomed into a family’
Reliving his personal story, Kevin recalled: “I was sleeping on the streets for four nights - I did not know what to do, where to go or who to speak with.” It was only when Kevin went to the council’s offices at Bayard Place that he first heard about Garden House, which he soon paid a visit.
“When I walked in I did not know what to expect,” he said.
“But it was a case of welcome to the family.” Kevin has been given shelter over the past few months, and support to gain a new employment qualification. He is now waiting to hear back after a job interview with Perkins Engines as he seeks a return to work.
“Everything you need is in this house,” he added. “Whether it be help with Universal Credit or what worries you have.
“If the Garden House was not here, I do not want to think where I would have been. I would have ended up as a statistic.
“This place has been brilliant. From day one to now I feel like a different person.” Shaxawan Beker (pictured) is a 19-year-old asylum seeker from Iran who came to this country on his own nearly four years ago, aged 16. Shaxawan did not wish to go into detail on why he sought asylum, but said it was because he was not safe in his home country.
He has spent his time in the UK either sleeping on the streets or in a car, until he moved to Peterborough and his local church directed him to Garden House. He said: “I can’t explain how good the staff and volunteers are.”
Garden House is currently liaising with British Red Cross and the Home Office to help Shaxawan as he is not allowed to work or receive benefits in this country.
In the meantime he is volunteering at different organisations. He added: “It was very, very difficult to come here, but Garden House care about me.” Every weekday (and soon every day), council outreach workers comb the streets looking for rough sleepers to help. When they find people needing a hand, one place they suggest they visit is Garden House. Support is also offered to other vulnerable people, including domestic abuse victims who are placed into refuge. Steven Pettican added: “We are trying to create a safe environment for people when they come through those green gates.”