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When Geoff was around 38 years old, his housing situation suddenly fell through. With nowhere to stay, he found himself in a difficult place, until Cambridge Cyrenians stepped in and offered him a space in our supported accommodation.
But his journey started long before that. Geoff had spent 15 months in a psychiatric ward and has accessed ongoing mental health support ever since. Accepting help from Cambridge Cyrenians became a real turning point.
“On my own, I fall down... I need people around,” he says.
Now 76, Geoff has been with us for over 30 years, and the support he's received has made a lasting impact.
“Company is crucial,” he shares. “Cambridge Cyrenians also helps build your strengths, skills, and independence. We can’t keep the world at bay, so having a stable, secure base really matters.”.
As well as having a warm and welcoming home, Geoff stays closely connected with our Mental Health Service. Being able to talk openly with the team has been one of the most important parts of his journey, second only to having a secure roof over his head. He’s also incredibly grateful for our volunteers and hopes they gain as much from the experience as the residents do.
One message Geoff is passionate about sharing is the importance of recognising everyone’s individuality:
“We’re all individuals, and we’re all worthy.”
That, he says, is something Cambridge Cyrenians truly understands and embraces.
Over the years, Geoff’s also got stuck into group activities and days out. One of his favourites? A visit to the Imperial War Museum Duxford. “A fascinating place,” he says.
When he’s not out and about, you’ll likely find Geoff writing poetry, often inspired by his personal experiences. You can read his poem Cyrene, dedicated to his time with Cambridge Cyrenians, on our website: https://www.cambridgecyrenians.org.uk/articles/sharing-a-residents-poem
Graham* could not move on from Cambridge Cyrenians' supported housing for one reason: he had no valid ID. He would have been living on the streets without the help his Cambridge Cyrenians support worker who has been working with him from day one.
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Jack* is self-employed, has been in recovery for 14 years, and he has just moved into a new home through HomeLink. It hasn't been a straight road to get there. Jack experienced homelessness once before, alongside substance use. A relationship breakdown a few years ago left him homeless again, and he moved into one of our move-on houses to start rebuilding.
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It only takes one change in circumstances for homelessness to happen. For Jake*, it started with a rotator cuff injury at work. He lost his job, then his home, and found himself sleeping on a park bench in the freezing cold on his first night without one.
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We are part of the Co-op Local Community Fund, so all you have to do to help us out is to download the Co-op App, become a member and choose our cause.
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Cambridge Cyrenians marked its 55th anniversary this week with a breakfast networking event at 95 Regent Street, bringing together supporters, partners and our friends to celebrate more than five decades of work tackling homelessness in Cambridge.
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Celebrate the 55th anniversary of Cambridge Cyrenians. Learn more about our impact and the work we have done to support people experiencing homelessness in Cambridge, network with other businesses and organisations
Read moreCambridge Cyrenians will be at Cambridge Pride on 13th June 2026. Come and chat to us in the Community Hive tent!
Read moreFive incredible runners will be taking on the Cambridge Half Marathon in support of Cambridge Cyrenians. Come along to cheer them on - just look for the Cambridge Cyrenians branded running t-shirts!
Read moreIf you’d like to keep up to date with our work, you can explore the latest posts below or follow us for updates and upcoming events.
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Registered Charity 261994
Registered Company in England and Wales 992199
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