Never having any experience with community services, Nigel did what many people do; he managed as best he could on his own. He couch-surfed for a few months before a period of stress sent him to hospital. It was only once he was hospitalised that he was connected to services that could support him.

The first place he stayed was a refuge for a group of men. Nigel liked it there; rent was affordable, and the people were friendly. But after five years it closed, and everyone had to leave.

He briefly rented a place, but the person he rented with had issues with addiction so eventually, Nigel moved out and started to sleep on the streets of the Perth CBD, and soon after began visiting Tranby Engagement Hub.

Nigel was a handy man to know on the streets. Not only would he show you where to get support, he’d also show you the tricks of the trade. Where others might find their sleeping bags getting wet overnight, Nigel would be dry with his multilayered approach of plastic sheet, rubber mat, and two blankets. This pragmatism led to him befriending someone who was newly sleeping rough and struggling with alcohol addiction. Nigel took him under his wing and helped him remain sober.

Eventually, Nigel was offered a place in transitional housing, where he lived for several months. In the meantime, his support workers had helped him apply for public housing and recently, he moved into a new unit with his beloved dog, Molly.

Since living in his new home, Nigel has reacquainted himself with his culinary skills. It’s not exactly a passion, but it is something he enjoys doing. He can cook Indian, Mexican, even a little bit of Chinese. But nothing will compare to his home-grown Yorkshire recipes. Bangers and mash and the pièce de résistance… Yorkshire pudding.