Real Stories, Real Change
Every life has a story. These are the ones that inspire us every day.
At the heart of everything we do are the people — those who walk through our doors for support, those who offer their time and talents, and those who work alongside us to make a difference. Their stories are powerful reminders of hope, resilience, and the impact we can have when we come together.
Here, you’ll meet individuals who have faced life’s toughest challenges — and found strength, support, and renewed purpose. You’ll also hear from the partners who stand beside them, and the volunteers who serve with compassion and commitment.
From Crisis to Confidence
“I had been living in temporary accommodation for about 3 years. My parents died and I didn’t get on with my sister, so I left and became homeless. Bury Drop In has really helped me.”
— Anonymous“Bury Drop In really helped me when I hadn’t eaten in a few days.”
— Jay“Bury Drop In really helped me when I was pregnant and had no one to help me.”
— Anonymous“I was living in a tent for 9 months. Everyday is hard on the street, you have to cope and keep going for own self.”
— Michelle“Bury Drop In helps me feel safe.”
— Anonymous“The volunteers are kind and lovely. They are welcoming. I have a chance to chat. I feel safe.”
— Jason
One guest, Sonia, shares her experience through poetry — capturing the fear and fragility of life on the streets:
The sound of footsteps steals my breath.
The snap of a twig, the rustle of leaves—
Still as a doe, I wait. Is it man or beast?
Straining to hear every sound, not knowing—friend or foe?
The moon lights up my little tent.
I tell myself, just animals roaming free,
But my muscles are tense, ready to spring.
My nerves are frayed, and so tired am I.
Working Together
“West Suffolk Council’s Rough Sleeper Service engages with people who are rough sleeping including offering them support and housing. Bury Drop In provides a safe space to collaboratively help vulnerable people achieve a life away from homelessness.”
— West Suffolk Council’s Rough Sleeper Service“We are instrumental in supporting vulnerable adults to access appropriate health support and advice.”
—NHS Health Outreach“Over the years of attending the drop in sessions, we have begun to build trust from the guests, this would never happen if we were not working jointly together.”
— Suffolk Sexual Health Team“At least three people who have been treated in prison and released mid treatment, I would not of found and been able to support them in completing their treatment.”
— Hepatitis C testing
A Volunteer’s Journey
“We all support each other…there is no us and them.”
— Chris, Volunteer“I enjoy finding ways to help our guests with their problems and helping them move on with their lives.”
— Mike, Volunteer“Volunteering makes me feel sad sometimes at the plight of some of the guests but happy that I can help and make a difference in some small way.”
— Jan, Volunteer“Not to take anything for granted, none of us knows when we could be homeless or in need of help.”
— Kathy, Volunteer“Having conversations that really make a difference by making people feel heard and seeing that glimmer of hope in their eyes that they are not alone. ”
— Clem, Volunteer“A past guest came in to say he was doing well and that his time at BDI were the happiest days of his life. Lovely to hear but so sad to think of the life he must have had.”
— Lorraine, Volunteer
Why These Stories Matter
Behind every quote is a person. Behind every person, a future still unfolding.
These stories aren’t just about hardship. They are about perseverance, support, and small moments that change lives. They remind us that no act of kindness is wasted, and no one is beyond hope. We also remember those we’ve lost along the way — their lives mattered, and their stories continue to inspire the compassion and commitment that guide our work.
At Bury Drop In, we don’t just provide services — we build relationships. And in those relationships, we witness transformation every day.
