“I was fortunate enough to have access to the Nottingham Winter Shelter last year and it saved my life. I spent a year and a half on the streets, on and off, between accommodation. In that time I was attacked and was very vulnerable. The winter is the hardest part of the year, no time is easy, but the freezing cold is unbearable. Being on the street in the freezing cold, my mental health was really bad. I just wanted to die. I spent so long thinking that I just didn’t want to be alive. Some nights I even had plastic bags on my feet just to keep them warm, it was degrading. But access to the Nottingham Winter Shelter, via Emmanuel House Support Centre changed my life. I was able to wash, have some food, have a drink and most importantly, have a warm nights sleep, away from danger. And the support they offer is what has helped me get where I am today. In the centre and shelter you become a family and being surrounded by people gives you someone to talk to and a support network. I can’t thank Emmanuel House and the Nottingham Winter Shelter enough, they were the first people to help me and they have saved my life.”