Homeless and living in a night shelter during the cold winter months, Alex was extremely vulnerable and suffering with high levels of debt. “After returning from a period abroad I had a nervous breakdown. I was totally destitute. I was referred to the Genesis Trust and got involved with Life Skills. Ever since then it’s been an amazing learning curve for me”.

Like many of the people who come to us, Alex has had to grapple with difficult past experiences and an uncertain future. We have helped him with financial support and training, and he is currently seeing one of our volunteer mentors.

“All my life I have had to be resilient. People haven’t treated me in the right way and I have developed serious trust issues. Coming to Genesis has been really beneficial as the people here are so welcoming, friendly and non-judgemental. They have created a family atmosphere, one where you feel that everyone really cares about you.”

Having the opportunity to take part in creative classes and workshops has been a vital part of Alex’s journey. Bullied at school and the victim of violence, he sadly missed out on much of his education. Life Skills has given him the chance to learn new skills and feel part of a community again.

“Taking part in the art classes has been just superb. I’ve got involved with photography, cookery, writing, the men’s board game group and more. My creative prose was published in the Life Skills poetry book and my nature landscape art work was exhibited at the Bath Abbey and Fringe Arts Bath festival. That gave me a huge sense of achievement. With the help of Genesis Trust I have managed to get certificates in food hygiene and construction. I’m making up for lost time!”

Alex’s future goals are to become financially stable and to continue taking part in our courses. He especially enjoys getting out of his flat and meeting new people. “I live alone, I have nobody. Life Skills is a kind face, its company for me. I have made lifelong friends here; with people I can talk to who have shared similar life experiences. That is so very valuable to me”.