Christine’s story: the support that made a difference
5 September 2025
Christine looks back on the support she received at Thames Reach and how it helped her move forward
Christine, originally from Germany, spent 12 years living in the UK. Today, she lives in a picturesque university town in central Germany, where she shares a flat with a housemate. She fills her days with creativity—painting, creative writing, and recently starting a sewing course. She also volunteers as a translator for English Heritage, maintaining her connection with the UK.
But her life has not always been so stable.
Christine first moved to the UK to work and study. “Prior to joining Thames Reach, I worked for an engineering company as a secretary and for the stock market as a bilingual temp before studying Italian literature at UCL. It was a fantastic time.”
That changed when she had to go into hospital. “I stayed in hospital for a long time and I became homeless while I was in hospital,” she explained. “I applied to the Housing Office for supported housing, and I got given a place at Thames Reach after an interview. I’m very grateful for TRB [Thames Reach Bondway, as we were then known] for having given me a place because the support I received was paramount for getting my bearings.”
Christine lived in supported accommodation in Clapham from 2002 to 2005. She recalls the everyday support that helped her regain confidence and stability. “I was glad to have safe and secure accommodation. The support also consisted of fortnightly meetings with my housing support worker. We would go for a coffee and just talk about everyday things. Nothing major, but it really helped me to keep things ticking over.”
Her support worker also accompanied her to mental health services in Brixton when she needed it. Looking back, she reflects: “It was really Thames Reach who helped me to increase my life skills again after hospital, and I’m very grateful for having been given that place.”
Carrying the support forward
When Christine returned to Germany in 2005, she carried that support with her. She stayed in touch with Thames Reach’s then Chief Executive, Jeremy Swain. “I’m also very grateful to Mr Jeremy Swain, because he befriended me when I returned to Germany in 2005 and we had regular contact by email. We met up several times when I came over to visit friends in London. In order to say thanks to him, I dedicated my MA thesis to him.”
Christine completed her master’s degree in translation studies last year. She now lives independently, free of symptoms thanks to strong mental health support in Germany, and continues to pursue work and volunteering opportunities. She is currently applying for a new role supporting people on a part-time basis.
She wanted to share her story because she knows how quickly life can change. “One appears to think that one can’t get homeless in London working or studying because one has a certain status, and then suddenly something unforeseen happens, and you’re really vulnerable. So that’s where Thames Reach stepped in and gave me a place to stay, and it was invaluable. If they hadn’t given me a place, I might have slept rough or something might have happened on the downward spiral.”
Lasting ties with the UK
Even after nearly two decades back in Germany, Christine thinks fondly of her time in London. “I really enjoyed living in the UK. It was like we say in Germany, there’s a word, Wahlheimat, which means a home you choose. And I think Thames Reach was part in making it a home again—that was very important.”
She remains connected to the UK through her volunteer translation work and occasional visits. “I’ve booked a holiday to come back to London next March. I look forward to returning and going to the Italian Cultural Institute and the British Library, places I used to visit when I lived at TRB.”
Christine’s story shows how timely support can make all the difference, offering not just housing but the chance to move forward.
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