A Birmingham father sleeping rough in the city centre has shared the emotional toll of being separated from his daughter for years.
Stu, 43, lived with his ex-partner and their daughter in Kingstanding until late 2018. However, following a severe heroin addiction, he was forced out of the family home.
“I was a heroin addict,” Stu revealed to BirminghamLive. “Since then, I’ve been sleeping rough. I’ve got clean now, but it’s not about that anymore.”
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The biggest pain for Stu is the fractured relationship with his daughter. “I haven’t seen her in years because of my past drug problems. Her mum won’t let me have contact,” he said. “We rented together, but I was kicked out.”
At the time of the interview, Stu was sheltering inside the St Martin’s Queensway tunnel to keep warm. “I sleep here sometimes because it’s safer,” he explained.
Life on the streets is isolating. “I’m ignored most of the day because people assume I’m after something,” he said. “But there’s a sense of community among those of us living rough. We look out for each other.”
Stu is determined to rebuild his life. “I want to change for the better, and I have, but it’s tough without a roof over my head. Getting a job feels impossible.”
He acknowledged the challenges addicts face and showed empathy for others in similar situations. “Many have been through a lot of trauma. Addiction is common.”
Despite the hardships, Stu appreciates acts of kindness. “People who stop and offer food mean a lot to me. Money helps, but often when I ask for it, people think I’m just after drugs. It’s a lonely life, but I’ve learned to live with it.”
According to charity Centerpoint, homelessness among young people remains a critical issue in the West Midlands. In 2023/2024, 7,603 young people experienced homelessness locally, with UK-wide figures estimating one young person becomes homeless every four minutes.
Birmingham City Council emphasizes its commitment to combating rough sleeping. A spokesperson stated, “There is a bed space available year-round for anyone in need. Our Outreach Team operates around the clock to assist those on the streets.”
The Government’s rough sleeper count recorded 59 people sleeping rough in Birmingham in 2024. Updated figures will be published in February 2026.
Support services are available for anyone at risk. Those concerned can contact the Outreach Team via thestreetlink.org.uk.
Young people under 25 without children can seek help from St Basils Youth Hub by calling 0300 303 0099.
Homelessness assistance in Birmingham operates 24/7: call 0121 303 7410 (option 3) from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, or 0121 303 2296 outside office hours. Those under 18 can reach out at 0121 675 4806.