A man carrying a young boy on his shoulders, both smiling, in front of a colorful graffiti mural on a brick wall.

Our Residents’ Stories

The true measure of our work is found in the lives of the men we support. Statistics matter, but it is the voices of our residents that show what recovery really looks like. Their stories speak of what becomes possible when someone is offered safety, support and belief. Each journey is different, but together they reflect the real and lasting change we see every day. 

Will’s Story

I went through a lot of trauma when I was young and spent many years using drugs and alcohol as a way to cope. On the outside I looked like I was doing fine, but in reality I was isolated, struggling, and had no real support network in the UK.

When things reached breaking point, I entered recovery and was introduced to The Nehemiah Project. Coming to Nehemiah gave me a safe place to land and the time and space I needed to start dealing with my past properly.

Today I’m sober, living in supported accommodation, and taking steps towards a new career away from the hospitality industry. Without Nehemiah, I’d likely be homeless. Instead, I have stability, hope, and a real chance to rebuild my life.

A young man smiling outdoors, wearing headphones and a jacket with a fleece collar, with blurred city street background.
Will's Journey at Nehemiah

Olly’s Story

I spent many years in and out of prison. At Nehemiah I finally faced my past and started to rebuild my life. The structure, counselling, and support helped me understand the root of my addiction and the choices I’d made.

With help from the family support team, I’ve reconnected with my dad and my two sons, and even spent Christmas with my brothers for the first time in over a decade. For the first time in years, I feel hopeful about the future and want to help others find the same chance I was given.

A man is helping a young boy put on a pair of shoes, sitting on a wooden bench inside a cozy, decorated room with floral wallpaper and wooden accents.
Olly's Journey at Nehemiah

Pete’s Story

After years of addiction, I lost everything - my job, my home, and my relationship with my daughter. When I arrived at Nehemiah, it was the first time in years I felt safe and supported. Through counselling and group work, I began to understand the pain behind my addiction and started to rebuild my confidence.

I’ve now moved into a second-stage house, volunteer regularly with Street Soccer London, and have reconnected with my family. Earlier this year, I represented England in the Homeless World Cup - something I never thought possible.

A smiling middle-aged man with a beard and short hair, wearing a green jacket, sitting on a park bench with trees and a street in the background.
Pete's Journey at Nehemiah

“If you are willing to do the programme honestly,

it will give you your life back”

-Former Nehemiah Resident

Young man talking in a group discussion, holding a tablet, with two women also participating.
A group of people sitting in a circle in a modern, well-lit room with large windows, brick walls, and wooden floors, engaging in a discussion or meeting.
Smiling middle-aged man with short gray hair, wearing a gray jacket, striped shirt, and glasses on his head, standing outdoors on a sunny day in an urban setting with storefronts and trees in the background.

FAQs

  • Nehemiah has six residential houses across South London. Our Stage One homes are in Streatham and Croydon, offering a calm and structured environment where men begin their recovery journey.

  • We welcome referrals from men anywhere in the UK who are ready to engage with an abstinence based residential programme and who want to make positive changes in their lives. You can view our specific criteria here.

  • Yes. Nehemiah recognises the importance of family relationships in recovery and offers dedicated family support groups. These groups provide residents with a safe and supportive environment to explore unresolved family issues and, where they choose, rebuild relationships affected by addiction.

    Support also extends beyond residents to include partners and family members, giving them the opportunity to seek guidance, and address their own experiences with their family members.

  • Nehemiah relies on the generosity of our supporters to continue delivering the vital services we provide. There are many ways you can support our work, and every contribution - big or small - is greatly appreciated.

    You can support Nehemiah by donating, fundraising, or volunteering your time and skills. We are grateful to our dedicated volunteers, fundraisers, and donors whose support enables us to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

    If you would like to find out more about how you can get involved and support Nehemiah, please get in touch or visit our Support Us page.

  • Nehemiah residents are supported throughout their time at the charity. When they arrive, each resident is assigned a key worker who acts as their dedicated point of support and meets with them regularly throughout the programme.

    In Stage One, residents attend daily group sessions where they work through the First Stage programme alongside the other residents in a supportive environment. These sessions help residents explore the root causes of addiction, develop healthier coping strategies, and build practical life skills to support long-term recovery.

    As residents move into Stage Two, support continues and becomes more focused on preparing for independent living. Residents still meet regularly with their key worker and take part in weekly group sessions, while also receiving support to move towards employment, training, volunteering, and independent living.

  • In order to join Nehemiah's Recovery Programme, residents must be eligible to claim housing benefits. On top of this each resident is asked to pay a £75 Service Charge each month to contribute towards the cost of their place.