Content note: This story includes references to suicide attempts and mental health struggles.
Just a few years ago, Josh’s life looked much like any other 30-year-old’s.
He was in a relationship, had a job and a place to call home. From the outside, things seemed settled. But when the relationship broke down, the impact reached every part of his life.
Because he worked at the same place as his partner, he lost his job too. Without that stability, he also lost his home.
What followed was one of the most difficult periods of Josh’s life. He struggled with his mental health, experienced depression and dark thoughts, and eventually attempted to take his own life. Throughout it all, he kept much of what he was going through hidden from the people around him.
He later reflected that although he tried to put on a brave face, those closest to him could tell something wasn’t right.
Everything came to a head when a family member asked a simple but important question: “Josh, how are you really doing?”
Looking back, Josh describes that moment as the point where all the feelings he had been holding onto finally surfaced.
“For me, it felt like my brain had exploded,” he explained.
“All of my feelings, hurt and regret came to the surface and there was no way of hiding it anymore.”
Following a referral from the council, Josh was offered housing support through Acorn. It was the start of a gradual process of rebuilding his confidence and stability.
“The assessment was calm, I felt understood and, most of all, I felt safe,” he said.
While staying at an Acorn service, Josh began doing small things to make his surroundings brighter and more welcoming for the people living there. Staff noticed his efforts and, over time, he developed strong relationships with the team supporting him. Their encouragement helped him begin to see himself differently.
Today, Josh is volunteering as a Peer Support Worker with Acorn, using his own experiences to support people who may be facing challenges of their own. In the role, he helps people find local groups and activities, shares information about available support and, most importantly, offers a listening ear. Not only is this a role he finds rewarding, it’s also one he loves doing.
In addition, he has recently secured a part-time role as a Housing Management Assistant and is also using his lived experience to design some digital tools which will help improve customers’ journeys in future.
Josh believes the experiences he has lived through have given him the compassion and understanding to help others feel safe, valued and supported.
When he looks back on how far he has come, there are three things he is most proud of.
“The staff believed in me. I achieved my goals. I am now inspiring others.”
