Help men that are faced with homelessness as a result of domestic violence from a partner, family member or person they are sharing accommodation with. Initially to raise money to provide financial support to help with securing short term accommodation, long term goal is to try and set up a charity providing there is enough support to set up a network of safe accommodation thought the UK that men are able to turn to in time of need.
When I was a teenager I had constant threat from a step-father to throw me out onto the streets. I was terrified at the time and still have flash backs and anxiety attacks as a result. I move out at the age of 16 got married to a woman, and set up home. It wasn't long after I became the victim of domestic abuse both mentally and physically. I felt alone and isolated. I lived in a close knit community, but had no one to turn to and didn't know how to contact or alert for help. The internet back then wasn't as accessible as it is today. To complicate matters I realised at although I was a man married to an abusive woman, I realised that I was actually gay! On 13th July 2002 I plucked up the courage to leave the abusive relationship. It resulted in me being physically attacked. The police where involved, but they had no plan for me in my situation to get help and support. In 2016 this is generally the same. In 2002 I left, I had no plan, no accommodation, no family to turn to because my abuser turned them and my friends away from me! I was terrified, just like when I was a teenager facing the constant threat of homelessness. This time I was homeless and fleeing domestic violence.
I'm now back on my feet and do not feel that it is ever right any man, no matter what should be in this situation, feel alone, homeless and have no one to turn to. I want to change this by providing help and support to men faced with domestic abuse or homelessness and provide help and support that they can turn throughout he UK.