We at recognise that just providing a roof over someone’s head is not always enough to give them a realistic opportunity to progress onto independent living and a sustainable tenancy. However, we also recognise that secure, affordable and appropriate housing can offer the stability needed to give that person a real chance of succeeding. For this reason, we are committed to providing a range of good quality housing that creates a sense of pride and independence, offering the chance of a fresh start.
RSHP started off as a soup kitchen in the 1970s but was formally registered as an official charity in November 1979. We will be celebrating our 30 anniversary next year. We now look after 58 properties which can offer beds for up to 94 people as well as offering support for a further 50 people at any given time. We offer safe, warm, well maintained accommodation together with support for rehabilitation, vocational and recreational as well as therapeutic opportunities. RSHP help people break the cycle of homelessness and overcome social exclusion by providing affordable and appropriate supported accommodation.
The reason I want to help raise money for RSHP it that they are a great charity & they helped me in my time of real need; back in June 2008 I moved back to Reading after a few months living in the Lake District which sadly went wrong due to the recession.
At the time I had nowhere to live and was feeling very depressed.
RSHP provided a roof over my head but I was out of work and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and this just sent me into an even deeper depression.
After about 6 months with their help and some counselling I got my head sorted and was asked if I would like to take part in the 2008 Reading Half Marathon; I had never done a Marathon before but had thought about it: I took part and did it in 2 hours 11 minutes and 15 seconds.
The feeling this gave me was amazing and I felt the best I had felt in almost a year.
On top of this with the help of RSHP’s careers adviser I started to look at where I wanted my career to go; one of my favourite things is the great outdoors and National Park, this was the reason I moved to the Lake District.
I looked at these options and found I needed a Diploma in Countryside & Environment so we looked at some options and I managed to secure a place at
Berkshire College of Agriculture where I am studying for my fist in Countryside & Environment; at first I did not think I would get on the course due to founding and trying to find a place to live away from RSHP but with their help as well as the help and support from Berkshire College of Agriculture I managed to secure the founding for both the course and student residential accommodation.
The course is going great and I am even thinking about doing the National Diploma and maybe even a degree.
My life has turned around and I have not looked back at those dark times.
I don’t think I could have done this without the help, support and guidance of RSHP and would like to do anything I can to help them to help other that may be where I was last year.
Please give what you can to help me raise £200.00 towards this charity.
Again thanks RSHP, god bless you for what you did for me.
Jason Pollard
