Finding purpose and rebuilding confidence at Alexandra House
As part of Supported Housing Week, we're sharing stories that show the life changing difference supported housing can make. For Rupert, Alexandra House provided more than just a place to live. It gave him the support, stability and confidence he needed to rebuild his life.
When Rupert was referred to Alexandra House in October 2023, he was facing a difficult period in his life. Following a detention under the Mental Health Act earlier that year, he was receiving support from mental health workers and struggling with anxiety linked to past trauma. He had little confidence, a very small support network and felt uncertain about what the future might hold.
After being accepted onto the waiting list, the team worked closely with Rupert to help ease some of the anxiety he felt about moving. When the breakdown of a relationship led to a move into a temporary home, it became a particularly challenging time. To provide reassurance and continuity, Rupert visited Alexandra House several times before moving in, meeting the same colleagues and becoming familiar with his new surroundings.
"When I started here, I was a shell of a man, very anxious and had no idea what I wanted from life. The team helped me just get my life back on board to be honest. As I said, I was lost and they made me find purpose."
When he first viewed his home, Rupert was overwhelmed by the prospect of having a place of his own. Colleagues took the time to explain what would be provided and helped him plan for the move, ensuring he felt as prepared as possible for his move in December 2023. Over the following months, he worked closely with his support workers, building trusted relationships that helped him regain confidence and motivation. Together, they focused on improving his mental health, managing his finances and supporting his ambition to return to work.
In 2024, Rupert successfully returned to full-time employment as a chef. Going back to work gave him a renewed sense of purpose and structure at a time when he was rebuilding his confidence. It marked a significant step forward in his recovery and independence. Although he later decided to leave the role because of the long hours, the experience marked an important step forward. While adjusting to a change in circumstances and claiming benefits for the first time in his life, Rupert worked closely with his support worker to manage rent arrears and maintain his tenancy. He later secured a new role working at a hotel closer to home and better suited to his needs.
However, Rupert's journey was not without setbacks and in early 2026, colleagues noticed changes in his mental health and increased the support available to him. Following the loss of his father and the breakdown of a relationship, Rupert experienced a period of significant mental ill health. Working alongside Rupert, his cousin and specialist mental health services, the Alexandra House team helped him access the support he needed. With encouragement from colleagues and his cousin, Rupert agreed to spend time at a mental health support facility, enabling him to focus fully on his recovery. When he returned, the team continued to provide daily support until he felt ready to resume a more regular routine.
Determined to move forward, Rupert threw himself into his recovery. He secured part time work, recognising how important having a structure and purpose was to his wellbeing. He also began attending a local gym, building both his confidence and his physical health. Today, Rupert is preparing for the next chapter of his journey.
"My goal for the future is to leave Alexandra House, make good choices, get my own house, to be more independent for myself and just progress in life."
He is actively looking for a home of his own through Devon Home Choice and has recently passed his driving theory test, started driving lessons and returned to education to study for his Maths GCSE. He has also reconnected with friends and speaks positively about the future.
Looking back, Rupert says he is in a much more positive place than when he first arrived at Alexandra House. With support from the team, alongside his family and mental health professionals, he has rebuilt his confidence, rediscovered his sense of purpose and is looking forward to the future. Rupert's journey demonstrates how the right support at the right time can help people overcome significant challenges and take meaningful steps towards greater independence.