03/03/2026
One of our guests, Jay (name changed), is a young Black British gay man. He told us he was sexually abused when he was six and that the memory of what happened stays with him constantly — especially in his sleep.
Jay spent time in the foster system as a child and during that time, was diagnosed with dyslexia and Asperger’s. He describes living with fluctuating mental health, including experiencing suicidal thoughts, as a tremendous barrier to a normal life. He shared that his professional life collapsed because of his mental health struggles.
Jay now lives with HIV. He told us his benefits had recently stopped and that he often ends up eating from bins. He also shared that he uses illicit drugs to help him forget the abuse he experienced as a child. When he can, he spends time drawing and designing castles that he dreams of living in one day.
Jay’s story is a common one amongst many rough sleepers. Early childhood trauma can shape everything that comes after — mental health, relationships, confidence and the ability to hold onto work or housing when life becomes unstable. That’s why we operate a groundbreaking, on-site drop-in mental health clinic at Soup Kitchen London, staffed by trained psychologists. Our friends can access professional support in a familiar place, without the need for appointments or long waits.
Thank you, ‘Jay’ ♥️
