An Exeter man’s story of overcoming adversity is helping football fans smile this January.
Matt had been living on the streets before he was signposted to the charity’s Supported Housing Project, which he says has helped him to change his life.
Matt’s journey is being shared as part of Scan to Smile, a new EFL initiative designed to lift spirits during the January blues and shine a spotlight on the life-changing work delivered by football club charities.
Exeter City Community Trust’s Supported Housing programme helps people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It is currently supporting 103 people in the city, who may otherwise have found themselves living on the streets, through the provision of safe housing and wrap-around support.
The programme takes a holistic approach, preparing and equipping tenants with the skills they need to go on and live independently and manage their own tenancies. Tenants also take part in many of the charity’s other initiatives, including weekly football sessions.
Matt credits the organisation with turning his life around. He says: “From feeling like you’re not going anywhere in the world, everything is slowly working out. I have been here nine months now and I've got this lovely place I’m living in, and it’s changed my life.
“From the staff and everything, it’s just lovely to live here and work with them. I’m just glad they got me off the streets and they’re sticking with me.”
Jamie Vittles, Chief Executive of Exeter City Community Trust, said: “Matt’s story is one of hope and shows that with the right support, from a secure place to live and a caring approach, people who have experienced homelessness can rebuild their lives and go on to positively contribute to society.
“we’re grateful to our community for supporting our work, whether that’s through participating in our events, or donating to our fundraising, because that support has very real outcomes, as demonstrated by Matt’s story.”
The players will be wearing special warm-up T-shirts, and posters will be displayed around SJP at Saturday's match against Rotherham to invite supporters to scan QR codes, alongside codes on-screen during all live EFL games broadcast on Sky Sports Fans can scan these to unlock uplifting stories like Matt’s, showing how football changes lives far beyond the pitch.
Trevor Birch, Chief Executive at the EFL said: “Scan to Smile is about harnessing the power of football to lift spirits and share real stories of hope. Behind every Club are people whose lives have been positively changed through the work and dedication of their local EFL Club charity. This initiative gives supporters the chance to see that impact firsthand and reminds us that football truly is a force for good.”
Find out more about Exeter City Community Trust’s Supported Housing programme by clicking here.