A WOMAN who battled homelessness just ten years ago has transformed her life and is now using what she learned to help support others.

Nina Alleyene-Stewart, 44, was desperate for help when she met St Vincent’s Centre manager, Daniel Cauchi, who helped her find accommodation and get her back on her feet.

Now, she volunteers as the leader of the centre’s in-reach programme, using her experience to help other people in Southend.

The community hub supports vulnerable people in Southend with foodbank services, hot meals, in and outreach support, household items and clothing.

“She’s a whole different person after our support,” centre manager Daniel Cauchi said.

“Because of the things that have happened in her life she gets it.

“Hence why she now has the passion to help others.

“She’s learnt a lot with our training.”

Following the help of SVP, Nina is now a vital part of the charity’s work.

Daniel added: “Nina takes referrals from the council and local organisations and her and her team go into houses and offer support.

“It’s a preventative measure to stop homelessness and to stop people that were homeless from falling back.”

Since becoming a volunteer, Nina has supported many others including 27-year-old Benjamin Chinye, who SVP support him transition from a period of hospitalisation back into community care.

Benjamin received support from Daniel and the centre, and has recently been permanently housed.

Southend’s St Vincent’s Centre is open every day and offers a range of support to those in the community who are vulnerable or homeless, including their Pioneer Programme, supporting those with addictions.

The community hub offers art clubs, music clubs, and food onsite as well as psychologists, dentists, nurses, psychotherapists and social services, who come to the centre and engage with people in a safe and happy environment. The centre aims to help people back into services and the community.

For more information, visit svp.org.uk/st-vincents-southend