A Swindon mum who was homeless while pregnant is now improving the mental health of others in the town.

Stacey Moss from Gorse Hill was just 18 years old when she fell pregnant and was forced to live out on the town’s streets.

After overcoming her misfortunes, she has now started the Mental Health Open Group in Swindon to organise events for others who are struggling to come and socialise.

Reflecting on the darker period of her life when speaking to the Adver, Stacey revealed how it all affected her own mental health.

Swindon Advertiser: Stacey was left homeless when she was pregnant with her son.Stacey was left homeless when she was pregnant with her son. (Image: Stacey Moss)

“I was adopted when I was four years old was in two back-to-back abusive relationships before becoming pregnant and homeless at 18,” she said.

“Living on the streets was horrendous and I felt like I was in a dark hole as no one was there to help me.

“It was one of the worst times of my life and it was out of my control and mental health wasn’t really a concept then.

“Everything was on top of me and I didn’t know how to get out of it.”

The now 30-year-old has began to heal in recent years and now wants to be able to do the same for others in her hometown.

Swindon Advertiser: Stacey and her son Harvey recently.Stacey and her son Harvey recently. (Image: Stacey Moss)

“It has only been recently since I have stepped back and seen the bigger picture of what I have gone through,” said Stacey.

“I suffered really badly with mental health but you wouldn’t have known because I’m the type of person that didn’t show it.

“Now I’m in a better place I want to help others.”

Stacey started the Mental Health Open Group with an open day at All Saint’s Church in Southbrook Street.

“People at the open day said they would like to continue doing it,” she said.

Swindon Advertiser: The event will be hosted in Lydiard Park.The event will be hosted in Lydiard Park. (Image: Swindon Borough Council)

“Some people suffer on their own home and they don’t have family or friends so its lovely that there is a place that they can meet up and chat with people.

With money raised from the open day she is now hosting a day out at Lydiard Park on Saturday, September.

“I will be supplying the food with the money that people raised from the open day,” added Stacey.

“So many people sit at home and have nothing to look forward to so I’d like to provide that as it can keep people going.”

The event will run from 1pm to 4pm at Lydiard Park and you can get in touch with Stacey on 07544535480 for more details.