Transcript for the video Lisa's story in the annual report for 2019-20

[Title card] In 2019 over 170 people were homeless in Hammersmith and Fulham. One of them was Lisa.

Lisa narrates the video:

I found myself sleeping rough from 2012 when I lost my flat. So for about 7 years sleeping a lot of the time outside on my own.

Sometimes it was really really cold. There was occasions where I didn't even have blankets, bedding.

I'd mostly sleep in the subway at Hammersmith Broadway.

Wasn't a dark place, but it was still dangerous.

I tried to go and get in No Second Night Out myself, but then I realised that I'd had to be referred on to them. I couldn't just go and knock on the door and say can I come in it wasn't like that.

I had severe depression and I was erm...I spoke to a doctor and my doctor said to me, if I ever feel that low to go to the hospital.

They put me in a room with cameras in it which they didn't even tell me there was cameras.

Watched me, and obviously I wasn't acting mad enough for them to be admitted as a mental health patient.

They just threw me out and told me it was a homelessness issue.

When you've got mental health issues to begin with and then you're homeless on top of that, and maybe you feel like, the people that are trying to help you are being intrusive.

One day, Street Link found me and they put me forward for a place called No Second Night Out, which is an assessment center in Shepherds Bush.

They assessed my situation and that was the start of me being in temporary accommodation until 14 months ago when I got my own studio flat.

Obviously I'm much better that I'm sleeping under a roof. I'm not out under the stars.

I'm safe, I've been able to buy things for my flat that I wouldn't have been able to get. And I've got a key worker I know is there for me. 

As much as I've needed support from Anna, I've always had it. And if she hasn't been  able to come and see me or speak to me, there's always been another person that I could get in touch with.

I just say if you see someone sleeping rough, and you can physically help them, help them.

If they need something to eat, yes it's nice for you to buy something to eat for them of course if you can manage.

But sometimes people need money too.

Physically need money because they need to get somewhere or do something. And girls especially, we might need personal effects or other things. But if you can help, help.

Obviously if you can't, you can't. I just say just don't be horrible because it could be you, anyone could be homeless. I never thought it'd be me and bang there I was homeless.

Anyone.

No one is exempt from homelessness.

That's important to know.

[Title card] If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, please visit www.streetlink.org.uk or download the app.

[Title card] Special thanks to Lisa Terry J, Anna Watchman, Sabina White, Mike Howard and St Mungos. Animation by Alexandra Peake. Produced by Francesca Tesla and Teodosia Dobriyanova.