Charlie got back on her feet and found a new home for her young family after she joined the Footprints Project Out of Court Diversionary Programme. 

Charlie and her son, who is four years old, were homeless and had been sleeping on her aunt’s sofa in north Dorset for some months. One evening she had a row with her brother that ended in a fight and the police were called. Instead of the disturbance progressing to court, Charlie committed to a Community Resolution, taking part in the OOCD programme under the guidance of Sharon at The Footprints Project. She also committed to not contacting her brother.

Sharon immediately helped Charlie by putting in place a four-month programme of weekly check-ins, either by telephone or face-to-face. Having someone to rely on and help her each week was motivating for Charlie and with Sharon’s support she began to slowly get her family’s life back on track. Sharon helped Charlie apply to Dorset Council for housing and support with her council tax bills and other benefits. 

Charlie was able to leave her aunt’s sofa when she was offered a two-bedroom home nearby and she moved in there with her son shortly afterwards. Sharon helped her sign up with a local GP and ensured both Charlie and her son were able to discuss their well-being with their new doctor. Sharon also helped Charlie to apply to another charity, Acts 435, which funded the cost of a new carpet in Charlie’s son’s bedroom, something he had never had before and made the new flat feel like a proper home for him. Footprints volunteers were able to help with supplying some underlay and fitting.

Charlie wrote to Sharon and said: ‘Just want to say a massive massive thank you to everyone at Footprints,  especially Sharon and Caroline. Having this kind of support with something seemingly so small has made such a difference to a little boy's bedroom! Thank you, Charlie and son.’

New carpet, ready for playtime!