NEWS
From Struggles to Strength: Trevor’s Inspiring Journey
Six months ago, Trevor walked into The Sanctuary Crisis Hub at one of the lowest points in his life. Homeless and struggling with overwhelming grief, chronic pain, and mental health challenges, he had reached a place where hope felt distant. Today, we’re thrilled to share Trevor’s story of resilience, recovery, and giving back—a true testament to the power of community and compassion.
A Life Shaped by Loss
Trevor’s journey hasn’t been an easy one. A former master builder, his career was filled with skill and accomplishment. However, life dealt him profound blows. As a young man, he experienced the heartbreak of losing one of his twins to cot death, a loss that stayed with him throughout his life. Six years ago, he faced another devastating tragedy when his beloved wife passed away from cancer, leaving him utterly bereft.
Now retired, Trevor was not only grappling with the emotional toll of these losses but also with chronic pain that made daily life a struggle. When he became homeless, his mental health hit rock bottom.
Finding Hope and Healing
Trevor found his way to The Sanctuary, where he began to receive the support he so desperately needed. Our team worked with Trevor to help him secure accommodation and settle into a stable environment. Through regular visits to The Cozy Corner, he found a warm, welcoming space where he could share his thoughts and connect with others who understood his struggles.
With the help of therapy sessions provided by our trained therapist, Trevor began processing his grief and building the tools he needed to navigate life’s challenges. Slowly but surely, he started to regain his confidence and sense of purpose.
From Service User to Volunteer
Today, Trevor is not only thriving—he’s giving back. As a valued member of our volunteer team, he helps keep The Pit Stop community shop stocked and tidy, ensuring everyone has access to the essentials they need. You’ll often find him in The Cozy Corner, lending a hand with the washing up and chatting with visitors, offering the same warmth and kindness he once received.
Trevor says, “I don’t think I would still be here if it wasn’t for The Sanctuary.” His words remind us why we do what we do and inspire us to continue making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
A Community of Support
Trevor’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of community. We couldn’t be more proud of the progress he’s made and the incredible contribution he now makes as part of our team.
If you’re struggling or know someone who needs support, please know that The Sanctuary and The Cozy Corner are here for you. Together, we can help you find hope, healing, and a brighter future.
Celebrating Silver: Recognised for Outstanding Community Support
We’re overjoyed to share some exciting news—The Sanctuary Crisis Hub and The Cozy Corner Wellbeing Lounge have been honoured with the Silver Award for Outstanding Community Support at this year’s Local Business Awards!
This recognition is made even more special by the fact that it came from the heart of our community. Nominated by local residents and service users, the award highlights the impact of the work we do to support mental health and well-being across Portland and beyond.
A Celebration of Community Spirit
The Gold Award went to the fantastic Community Fridge, another invaluable service that we’re proud to work alongside. Together, our organisations represent the strength and generosity of our local community, showing what’s possible when people come together to support one another.
We were absolutely thrilled to be nominated, but the most meaningful part of this journey was hearing the heartfelt comments from those we’ve had the privilege to support. Service users praised our team for being compassionate, dedicated, and always willing to go the extra mile to make a difference.
A Team Effort
This award belongs to everyone who makes The Sanctuary and The Cozy Corner what they are today:
Our Amazing Volunteers: From offering a listening ear to helping visitors at The Pit Stop, our volunteers work tirelessly to ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and cared for.
Our Service Users: Your courage to reach out, share your stories, and engage with our services inspires everything we do.
Our Community: To those who nominated us, thank you for your kindness, trust, and belief in the work we do.
Building Hope, Together
This recognition is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. At The Sanctuary, our mission is to create a safe, welcoming space for anyone facing challenges, whether that’s a mental health crisis, feelings of isolation, or the need for a supportive community.
Looking to the Future
While we’re incredibly proud to receive the Silver Award, we know our work is far from over. We remain committed to expanding our services, reaching more people, and continuing to provide outstanding support to our community.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that we’re here for you. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected, and more compassionate community.
Celebrating Our Amazing Volunteers: Award-Winning Dedication at The Sanctuary and The Cozy Corner
At The Sanctuary Crisis Hub and The Cozy Corner Wellbeing Lounge, we’re proud to share some heartwarming news about the incredible individuals who make our work possible. Recently, two of our wonderful volunteers received prestigious awards for their unwavering dedication and compassion. This recognition highlights the exceptional care and commitment our team brings to supporting those in our community.
Advent Angels: A Community-Wide Recognition
But that’s not all—our entire team was honoured by service users, who nominated us for the esteemed Advent Angels award. This recognition celebrates organisations and individuals that go above and beyond to make a positive impact, and we’re deeply humbled by the trust and gratitude shown by those we serve.
Volunteers Who Go the Extra Mile
Our volunteers are the heart and soul of The Sanctuary and The Cozy Corner. They work tirelessly, often stepping beyond the call of duty to ensure no one feels alone in their struggles. Here are just a few ways our team makes a difference:
Providing Hospital Support: When service users need medical care, our volunteers have accompanied them to hospital visits, staying by their side through procedures to offer comfort and reassurance.
Crisis Intervention: Whether it’s a late-night call or hours spent talking to someone in crisis, our team provides a lifeline when it’s needed most.
Everyday Care: From sharing a chat over tea at The Cozy Corner to helping individuals create safety plans at The Sanctuary, our volunteers bring empathy, kindness, and understanding to every interaction.
A Heartfelt Thank You
This recognition is a testament to the compassion, dedication, and hard work of every member of our team. Their selflessness inspires us all and reminds us of the profound difference we can make by simply showing up for one another.
Join Us in Celebrating Our Heroes
We’re so proud of our award-winning volunteers and grateful for the opportunity to serve our amazing community. If you’d like to learn more about our services or get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more compassionate future for all.
