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Be inspired by John’s story of resilience. After facing homelessness and mental health challenges, short-term financial support from the MCF helped him turn his life around, leading him to start a charity that is making a difference in his community.

According to the Department of Housing, homelessness among military veterans has climbed by 14 per cent in the last year. Changes in finances can come at any time and have a major impact on a person’s life.

For John, losing his job sent his life into a downward spiral, but support from the MCF gave him the confidence he needed to turn his life around.

John was working in a well-paying job, but he was dismissed due to his mental health struggles, which were connected to his military service. The difficulties from this experience meant that he struggled to find a new job and was reliant on government support.

The sudden financial downturn forced John to find a new place to live, leaving him vulnerable. He moved in with an ex-partner, but the situation quickly became untenable due to their abusive behaviour, leading John to make the difficult decision to leave and face homelessness. Without a permanent home, John lived in his car and stayed with friends when he could. As a military veteran, John reached out to the Royal British Legion for support. While they provided some assistance, his situation remained challenging. The circumstances took a significant toll on John’s mental health, leading to feelings of despair and suicidal thoughts.

Thankfully, John was able to claim Universal Credit, which enabled him to secure a flat and get off the streets. However, he could afford little else including household essentials or furniture. John found out about the MCF by chance. During a visit to local supermarket, he ran into a fellow Freemason and while they were catching up, John was told about the MCF and the support available. His application for a Daily Living Costs grant was successful and lifted a weight from his shoulders. John was finally able to afford enough food and could purchase a bed for the first time.

Recognising that many people face similar challenges, John has been actively giving back to his local community. He founded a charity called Bworkz, which aims to make beekeeping more accessible and supports those struggling with their mental health.

John has secured National Lottery funding and a partnership with the Woodland Trust for Bworkz, enabling them to offer beekeeping lessons. Amid concerns about the decline in pollinators across the country, Bworkz is making a positive impact on the environment as well as on the lives of those supported by the charity.

John’s journey from homelessness to charity founder is a testament to resilience and how even a little support can go a long way in rebuilding a life.

To access support, call us on 0800 035 60 90

Whether you are struggling to keep up with your daily expenses or are going through an emergency situation, we are here to help you. To find out more about the support available, visit: mcf.org.uk/Financial-BL14