For many people sleeping rough in Brighton, First Base is a lifeline.

This was the case for Gary, who features in our Christmas film this year. He had a family, a job, a home. Then a relationship breakdown triggered a series of events that left him homeless. As winter closed in, Gary found himself sleeping on Brighton seafront, trying to stay alive through freezing nights. He faced regular abuse and the devastating experience of losing friends on the streets.

"We shared a bottle of whisky mainly to numb ourselves and block out any fears we had of being attacked while asleep. This is why I always say that you can’t get sober from a sleeping bag. You’re too busy surviving."

One night, drenched by rain and exhausted, Gary was picked up by an outreach team and brought to First Base, which was providing emergency night shelter. He was met with a hot shower, warm food, clean clothes and, most importantly, people who cared.

Gary became a regular visitor at the day centre, and the team helped him to get into safe accommodation. He began to rebuild his life, accessing detox and rehabilitation services and eventually moving into BHT Sussex’s Move On Accommodation.

Today, Gary is over a year sober, in good health and looking forward to the future.

This winter, many more people will come to First Base needing that lifeline. With your help, First Base can continue to be there for people like Gary, helping them move from surviving to living again.