Meet Susie Mayhew, a remarkable woman from Norwich who has overcome a life of addiction, homelessness, and abuse to find hope and redemption. Her story is one of courage, resilience, and determination, and it’s a testament to the power of support and faith. Susie’s journey was marked by trauma and hardship, having grown up in a traveling family, experienced a violent marriage, and struggled with drug addiction. She spent years sleeping in shop doorways and derelict buildings, feeling like she was barely alive. But everything changed when she found support and a place to live through the Christian charity Hope into Action.
The charity’s support and guidance have been instrumental in helping Susie turn her life around. She was recently named as a winner in the Hope into Action Tenant Awards 2025, receiving the Addressing Offending Behaviour Award. This recognition is a testament to her hard work and dedication to rebuilding her life. Susie credits Hope into Action with giving her the will to live and helping her reconnect with her faith. She’s now a regular churchgoer and is passionate about giving back to her community. As she shared her story, Susie said, “It’s been life-changing. It’s given me the will to live and got me back into my faith. I wish you could see a before of me. It’s just changed my life, changed it completely.” Her檔story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to make a change and that with the right support, anyone can find a new path in life.
Susie’s journey has also been supported by volunteers like Jessica from Norwich Cathedral, who has been a constant source of encouragement and guidance. Jessica recalls the moment when Susie found out she was getting a place at the Hope into Action House in Norwich, saying, “It was a beautiful moment and a brilliant moment for all of us.” Jessica believes that the Hope into Action project restores hope in people, igniting a spark that can help them overcome even the toughest challenges. As Susie continues to rebuild her life, she’s become an inspiration to others, and her story is being shared as part of the charity’s Restore Hope this Easter Appeal. The appeal aims to raise resources to support more people like Susie, who are struggling with homelessness and addiction.
The work of Hope into Action is crucial in providing support and accommodation to those in need. The charity currently has 13 houses across Norfolk, providing a safe and stable environment for 39 people. What sets Hope into Action apart from other housing organizations is its partnership with local churches, which helps address the relational poverty that often accompanies homelessness. As Debra Green, Norwich Team Lead, explains, “The idea is that the church addresses the relational poverty, providing a sense of community and connection that is essential for people to rebuild their lives.” By combining practical support with emotional and spiritual guidance, Hope into Action offers a holistic approach to helping people overcome homelessness and addiction.
The charity’s CEO, Jon Kuhrt, emphasizes the importance of supporting people like Susie, who need a fresh start. He says, “Easter is a time of new life and resurrection, and new possibilities. Can you help us restore hope this Easter to people affected by homelessness? Please donate to our Easter appeal and help more people like Susie find a new life and a new hope.” The appeal is an opportunity for people to make a real difference in the lives of others, providing the resources needed to support those struggling with homelessness and addiction. By donating to the appeal, individuals can help create a ripple effect of hope and transformation, inspiring others to rebuild their lives and find a new sense of purpose.
As Susie’s story shows, it’s never too late to make a change and find a new path in life. With the right support and guidance, anyone can overcome even the toughest challenges and find hope and redemption. The work of Hope into Action is a testament to the power of faith, community, and support in transforming lives. By sharing Susie’s story and supporting the charity’s appeal, we can help create a brighter future for those struggling with homelessness and addiction. As Susie says, “I feel alive again, they’ve given me my life back. It’s God, God looking down. He’s looking after me.” Her story is a powerful reminder that there is always hope, and that with the right support, anyone can find a new sense of purpose and belonging.
