My name is Lynne and 13 years ago I had a nervous breakdown. My son was 2 years old and my relationship with my partner broke down and I had to leave the family home.
I ended up on the streets of Birmingham sleeping under the canal and in doorways. I started drinking really heavily – this was the height of my depression.
For many years I was lost and felt there was no hope for my future. Then one night the Outreach team told me about the Big Issue. I needed to get myself out of the situation I was in. I was suicidal. I signed up that day and that was the day my life started to change. This was my first step to recovery.
The last 3 years have been an uphill struggle but I now live independently in my own flat with my three cats Jojo, Normo and Timbo.
“I don’t think I would be alive today without this help.”
I have also stopped drinking and I have been dry for 2 years now. This would not have been possible without the help and support of Tom from The Big Issue Foundation and the rest of the team at the Big Issue.