Former rough sleeper delighted to start new job

Roy Stubbs shared his "incredible" journey to inspire more people

A former rough sleeper who secured a new job said a charity helped him turn his life around.

Roy Stubbs had mental health issues and started attending respite centre the Garden House, in Peterborough, in April last year.

He then started volunteering with Light Project Peterborough and Peterborough City Hospital and hoped to "give back and build his confidence".

This week, he successfully applied to become a health and wellbeing lead at Boroughbury Medical Centre, in Craig Street, and said he "was a mess" when he first came and never thought he could "get to where he is now".

Roy Stubbs took part in football sessions and said they helped "calm him down"

Light Project Peterborough said it was "proud" of Mr Stubbs' journey and "delighted" to see him succeed.

Jess Marsden, a nurse from Boroughbury Medical Centre, visited the Garden House every week to give appointments to guests on the Health Outreach Bus.

She will be managing Mr Stubbs and said: "Roy has come a long way. He’s demonstrated that those who have lived experience can put it to good use.

"We’re pleased to give him a job which will make a big difference to our patient’s lives.”

Roy Stubbs will be working with Dr Jessica Randall-Carrick from Boroughbury Medical Centre as a Health and wellbeing lead

Mr Stubbs, who has taken part in the Great Eastern Run twice for the charity, said he was grateful for all its support.

Prior to landing his new role, he completed a six-month homeless health peer advocacy programme.

As part of that, he helped the Garden House guests fill out forms, and took them to doctor and job centre appointments.

"Being a peer advocate has done me the world of good," he said.

"It’s helped with my mental health and brought me out of my shell - It gave me the confidence to apply for a job."

He added: "The journey has been amazing. I wouldn’t have believed on my first day at the Garden House, that I’d be where I am now.

"I’ve learnt a lot about life including self-care and wellbeing."

He has now shared his story with the Peterborough Truth Commission in the hope of inspiring others who have had similar experiences.