At DCM Advocates—formerly known as ByMySide—we walk alongside people facing homelessness, addiction, and involvement with the criminal justice system. With time, care, and consistent support- transformation is possible.

One of our long-term clients from ByMySide/DCM Advocates recently shared their remarkable story with us. While we’ve changed their name and withheld identifying details, the journey is very real—and deeply moving:

“In my early teens, I caused a lot of strain on my family. My behaviour and involvement in crime meant I couldn’t stay at home. By 13, I was on the streets—out of school and surrounded by people who introduced me to alcohol and drugs.

That lifestyle quickly spiralled into more serious offending and time in prison. During one of my early sentences, I was introduced to crack cocaine and heroin. Addiction took hold, and for years I bounced between prison and homelessness.

Eventually, my health collapsed. I lost the ability to walk and spent four months in hospital. There, I cried out to God, desperate to be free from the weight of addiction. That prayer was answered—not in an instant, but something changed inside me.

The day after I left hospital, someone offered me a place in rehab. They saw potential I couldn’t see in myself. I took the opportunity, completed a 12-month programme, and now I’ve been clean for over a year. I’ve recently been baptised, and I’m building a new life with faith at the centre. The folks at DCM Advocates have been a huge part of my journey.”

This is exactly why DCM Advocates exists: to journey with people through some of the darkest chapters of their lives—helping them discover their value, their potential, and a new path forward.

What is DCM Advocates?

DCM Advocates is a reimagined and renamed continuation of our ByMySide project. It offers compassionate, one-to-one support for vulnerable adults across Derby—often over many years. Whether it’s helping someone navigate benefits, find housing, access treatment, or rebuild after a prison sentence, our team of Advocates stands with people through it all.

You can help us continue this vital work.

Click here to donate or get involved.

Together, we can keep walking with people—until they find solid ground.