Adam's story
When Adam first came to Launchpad, he described himself as “a broken man.”
Adam’s life had been shaped by upheaval and loss. Born in the UK but raised in Texas, his sense of identity was shattered when he discovered that the man he believed was his father was not biologically related to him. As a result, Adam was deported and returned to the UK aged 27 – all alone, he then lost his job and contact with his children.
Years later Adam settled into a new relationship and had a second family, but aged 33 this relationship failed acrimoniously, and Adam found himself separated from his family for a second time. The breakdown of this relationship, compounded by the displacement and loss he had experienced when he was forced to leave America, left Adam struggling to cope..
Soon, Adam found himself sleeping rough in Whitley, battling severe depression and suicidal thoughts. “I was really unwell mentally. I’d lost everything—my family, my sense of self, and my hope.”
Thankfully Adam reached out for help. St Mungo’s responded, bringing in the crisis mental health team and helping him access emergency accommodation through the ‘Bed for a Night’ scheme.
For the first time in over a year, Adam began receiving the mental health support he desperately needed. He stayed at Willow House, run by the Salvation Army, and from there was referred to Launchpad.
By the time Adam arrived at Launchpad, his mental health had begun to stabilise. He had no drug or alcohol dependencies—what he needed was belief, stability and someone to listen.
That’s what he found.
“Launchpad gave me a chance. They really listened to me. They didn’t judge me—and because I have trust issues, that mattered. For the first time, I felt heard.”
Adam fully engaged with his support worker, working through the practical and emotional challenges he faced.
“When I arrived here, I didn’t have a clue where I was going or what I wanted to do. Now I’m confident. I’m driven. I want to do more with my life—and help others who may have walked in my shoes.”
With Launchpad’s support, Adam rebuilt not just his circumstances, but his sense of purpose.
After two years with Launchpad, Adam has gone on to set up his own business, making clothing and music.
“This company is so much more than a business for me – it’s a lifeline. This gives me purpose, but I know that if it wasn’t for Launchpad, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Today, Adam surrounds himself with positivity and stability, something he works hard to protect.
“I’m a spiritual person. I choose positive energy. For years I lost myself—but now I’ve built a foundation of my own.”
Why Your Support Matters
Adam’s story is not just about surviving homelessness—it’s about what’s possible when someone is given time, compassion and belief.
Your donation helps Launchpad provide:
- Safe accommodation
- Dedicated, non‑judgemental support workers
- Time to rebuild confidence, mental health and direction
Because of supporters like you, people like Adam can move from crisis to stability—and on to independence, purpose and hope.