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From Struggles to Recovery: Jerzy’s Journey with Barka

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  1. Background in Ireland:
    • Jerzy  (59) lived in Ireland for 10 years.
    • Initially worked as a driver but lost his job and driving license due to alcohol addiction.
    • Developed health issues, including problems with his hand.
  2. History with PASS:
    • Registered in the PASS system in 2019.
    • Maintained regular contact with us through day centers where he came for meals and city squares where he spent time drinking with friends.
  3. Living Conditions:
    • At 59 years old, he received disability benefits and a place in a hostel.
    • Although he slept in the hostel, he spent his days drinking in public spaces with his peers.
  4. Deteriorating Health:
    • Over time, his health visibly worsened.
    • Struggled with stiffness in his joints and had difficulty walking.
    • His appearance became increasingly concerning.
  5. Encouragement to Return:
    • We continuously motivated Jerzy to return to Poland for proper support.
    • After much persuasion, he agreed, on the condition that we accompany him.
  6. Preparations for Return:
    • Secured a place for him at Barka in Poznań.
    • Arranged his travel documents, including a temporary passport, as he had previously lost two passports we helped him obtain.
    • Purchased his flight ticket and traveled with him back to Poland.
  7. Support in Poland:
    • Upon arrival, Jerzy rested for a few days at Barka.
    • Underwent an assessment and was referred to a residential addiction therapy program.
  8. Current Situation:
    • Jerzy remains in touch with us and Barka staff, regularly updating us on his progress.
    • He describes his conditions as “luxurious,” even mentioning a medical bed provided for his comfort.
    • His positive experience has inspired others; a friend is already planning to follow his steps after hearing about Jerzy’s success.
  9. Future Plans:
    • Jerzy is determined to stop drinking and rebuild his life.
    • Once he has achieved sobriety, he plans to reconnect with his family in Poland and work on rebuilding relationships.

Success Story: Helping Philip Find His Way Home with Barka’s Support

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Philip, a 33-year-old man, is one of many individuals struggling with health challenges, often related to mental health, who find themselves feeling unsupported and without options in the UK. Like others in similar situations, Philip had hoped that relocating to Ireland would provide him with immediate medical support, housing, and social assistance. Many believe that as British citizens, they are entitled to automatic access to these resources in Ireland.

Upon arriving in Dublin, Philip sought help at one of the local help centres, where he was informed that he would not have immediate access to emergency accommodation or services. After spending five nights on the streets, Philip expressed his desire to return to the UK. The day centre reached out to Barka, who met with Philip to discuss his situation and options.

Exhausted from sleeping rough, Philip shared his struggles with Barka’s team. He admitted he had been battling his mental health issues alone for eight years, refusing treatment, and that he saw Ireland as his last hope. Now, he wanted to return to the UK and consider the support of mental health services there. He expressed his intention to seek treatment at his local hospital upon arrival.

Recognizing Philip’s urgent need for support, Barka’s team quickly arranged a ferry ticket for the same day, ensuring he wouldn’t have to spend another night vulnerable on the streets. Deeply moved by the care and assistance provided, Philip thanked Barka for helping him find a way home.

This story underscores Barka’s crucial role in preventing homelessness and supporting individuals like Philip. By connecting people with the resources they need—whether in Ireland, the UK, or beyond—Barka plays an essential role in guiding individuals back to safety and hope.

Success Story: Radostin’s Journey Back Home

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We were first contacted about Radostin by a social worker from Cloverhill Prison. Radostin, a Bulgarian national, had arrived at the facility in poor mental health after wandering the streets of Dublin for over a month. During his time in prison, he received psychiatric support, and as his condition improved, he expressed a strong desire to return to his home country, although he had little memory of how he ended up in Ireland.

The social worker arranged for a meeting between Radostin and Barka staff before his court appearance. Given Radostin’s commitment to returning to Bulgaria, Barka workers purchased a flight for him. After his release from prison, he was accompanied by the social worker and Barka team to the Bulgarian consulate, where they secured his travel document. Following this, they took him to pre-arranged emergency accommodation for the night.

Barka team members provided him with clean clothing and food for the journey. Early the next morning, at 6:30, a Barka staff member collected Radostin from the hostel and traveled with him to the airport, where another Barka employee awaited to accompany him on the flight to Sofia.

Upon arrival in Bulgaria, Radostin was reunited with his brother, who had been eagerly awaiting his return. The family expressed immense gratitude for the coordinated effort that made his safe journey possible. Radostin now has the opportunity to continue his recovery surrounded by family and in familiar surroundings, hopeful for a fresh start back home.