A former client who first came to the Cardinal Hume Centre as a teenager sleeping on the street has become one of the charity's trustees, bringing lived experience and professional expertise to help shape its future.
Simon Binns was 17 when he first came to the Centre after months of sleeping rough in Westminster. Experiencing homelessness, addiction and the effects of an abusive home life, he found safety and stability through the Centre's supported accommodation and wraparound services.
'The Centre was one of the first places that felt safe enough to come in, sit down, have a cup of tea and not worry about what was coming next,' Simon says.
Over the following years, Simon worked with staff to rebuild his life, securing stable accommodation and developing the confidence to pursue new opportunities. He went on to train as a sports coach, work in youth engagement and build a career in homelessness services.
Today, Simon is studying for a doctorate in clinical psychology while continuing to work across homelessness and mental health. He previously managed homelessness services for Thames Reach and now brings both professional expertise and lived experience to his role as a trustee.
I wanted to give something back to an organisation that had such a huge impact on my life. I would not be where I am now without the Cardinal Hume Centre.
'I wanted to give something back to an organisation that had such a huge impact on my life,' Simon says. 'I would not be where I am now without the Cardinal Hume Centre.'
As a trustee, Simon is committed to ensuring that lived experience continues to shape the Centre's services and that staff are supported in their work with children, young people and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Reflecting on his journey, Simon says: 'The Centre helped me survive, but more than that, it helped me believe I had something to offer. That changed everything.'
As the Cardinal Hume Centre celebrates 40 years of opening doors to brighter futures, Simon's story reflects the long-term impact that timely support can have. From a young person experiencing homelessness to helping guide the charity's future, his journey demonstrates what is possible when people are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Read Simon's full story below – and others from our supported accommodation – to learn more about the difference early support can make.
