Service users' stories

Gary

My name is Gary. I am 33 years old. In the last 12 years I’ve been in prison over 20 times for minor offences. During that time I used cannabis. During these 12 years I have lived in Council accommodation and have also lived in a CASS property. I got evicted from CASS for having too many visitors staying over and for causing damage.

Female service user, C.A.S.S. North

“I am a single parent and live in a large village outside Carlisle. Over the past two years I have received regular support from C.A.S.S.. When I first got in touch my ex partner had left and through no fault of my own I was left with a huge amount of debt which I was unable to pay. I could not afford to buy food for myself and my family. I was in a desperate state and believed that there was no-one I could turn to for help. I became withdrawn and could not deal with my life from day to day which made matters worse. I suffered mental health problems and the tenancy for my house was under threat.