CB’s Journey: From Crisis to Hope with KIP
In 2021, CB walked through our doors for the first time. They had just left an abusive relationship and were caught in a cycle of substance misuse, including alcohol and crack cocaine. CB had experienced sexual assault after leaving the family home and was grieving the loss of a sibling. Their story was one of deep trauma, stretching back to childhood.
CB shared how they had carried the weight of their family from a young age. Raised in a household affected by substance misuse and domestic abuse, CB was physically abused and forced to care for younger siblings. This upbringing shaped their understanding of relationships — believing abuse was normal until friends helped them see otherwise.
Leaving the abusive relationship was one of the hardest decisions CB ever made. It meant walking away from their child, not out of neglect, but out of love — a desire to break the cycle and protect them from the same path.
A Cycle of Vulnerability
CB was placed in temporary accommodation but struggled with the environment, particularly being housed with men. Feeling unsafe, CB returned to rough sleeping and ended up in Birmingham, where they were held against their will, repeatedly sexually assaulted, and forced to use heroin and crack. Eventually, CB escaped and made their way back, sleeping rough until they were found behind a bin near KIP’s main office.
We welcomed CB in, offering immediate physical and emotional support. Staff helped them shower, provided clean clothes, and sat with CB as they bravely shared their story. We supported them in reporting the abuse to the police and arranged a mental health assessment through the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT).
Support, Setbacks, and Persistence
CB was placed in The Glen and later moved to a Maninplace property. But when a male resident made them feel uncomfortable, CB’s trauma resurfaced, and they returned to substance use. CB disappeared for months, and when they returned, they expressed feeling hopeless — the only thing keeping them going was their child.
This pattern continued over four years: periods of progress followed by relapse and disappearance. Staff at KIP remained concerned but never gave up. One day, after repeated doorbell rings with no one there, we discovered CB had been pressing the bell and running away — ashamed and embarrassed for needing help again.
We reassured CB that at KIP, the door is always open. We don’t judge. We understand that relapse is part of recovery. We arranged renewed support through StArs (a substance misuse service) and CMHT, submitted housing referrals, and kept in regular contact through Urban KIP outreach.
A Turning Point
Eventually, we received the call — a housing placement was available. After searching known locations, we found CB behind a bin at SW1. They returned to The Glen for four weeks, and although they felt the urge to run again, our conversations helped them stay.
Today, CB is housed by Orsa Housing and doing well. They stay in touch, sharing both wins and setbacks. CB says that without the support from KIP staff, they wouldn’t be here. Their words: “I owe everything I have to the staff at KIP.”
Reflections
CB’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, compassion, and trauma-informed support. It reminds us that recovery isn’t linear — it’s a journey of small steps, setbacks, and courage. At KIP, we’re proud to walk alongside people like CB, offering hope when it’s needed most.