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Go to P3 HousingStill on his journey to recovery, Harsha is learning to deal with change. He is currently living in P3 supported accommodation.
Coming from Sri Lanka in 2011, Harsha found himself dealing with lots of change. Detrimental to his story – his health and losing his job were two factors that changed his life’s course.
He talks of his physical issues altering his appearance, playing on his mind Harsha turned to alcohol to soothe his mental and physical issues. While it temporarily numbed the pain of his personal issues, it led to the breakdown of his marriage – subsequently having to leave the family home to seek support for his addiction.
With nowhere to go, Harsha was narrowly spared of street living by a long stint in hospital – something that brought its own issues.
His bedroom in The Gables has allowed him to regain stability and ‘get back on track.’ Harsha is grateful for the physical support he has received whilst staying in P3 accommodation – he tells of the physical support for his disability, addiction support as well as life skills he has learnt since being here.
I’m getting budgeting support as well – I feel happy, they help us with everything. Always checking on me, I know I’m in a safe place.
That feeling of safety is something Harsha is keen to transfer into his own home when he manages to take the next step. He contributes this feeling of safety not only to the direct support, but the culture that has been fostered by the staff at The Gables. He reflects that ‘they taught me how to be social, how to engage, how to spend – I can live my life. I can speak freely.’
Asking Harsha for any advice he’d give a new resident, his manner grows serious – ‘just engage with them.’ He talks of the new coping methods he has learnt and the one-to-one tailored support he gets from his support worker. He pauses, and says he has another piece of advice: “If you can believe in one thing, believe in trust – if you trust the support workers, they will help you.”
Trust is something he knows he must be patient with in the future. Harsha is focused on resolving the problems with his wife and building a relationship with his young son. He aims to continue his life of sobriety so he can eventually get his own place and rebuild his home.
This rebuilding includes getting back to work – ‘When I first came to the UK I worked 6-7 days, but since 2022 I haven’t been able to do anything. I need a job without any physical implications.’ As well as confirming his British citizenship, taking up further education and helping others who are trying to make a fresh start at The Gables.
For now, Harsha is still in supported accommodation, but he is hopeful for what is to come – arguably, this hope is progress, it’s his ‘journey to acceptance that life has its ups and downs.’
Harsha is currently being supported by The Gables, if you or someone you know are looking for support in Warwickshire, click the button below to find out more.
