Pembrokeshire: ‘I ran a homeless charity but had nowhere to live’

Eventually, Amanda was offered a flat and slowly started getting back on her feet.

Today, she feels what she has been through has helped her connect with her clients.

“My experience has been invaluable for me because I can be truthful about how it might be,” she said.

“I feel more at their level – I’ve been there myself and that knocks down a barrier.”

But it has also made her aware of how much more support is needed – and the vulnerabilities of homeless women.

“I’d walk around and put my hood up. You don’t want to be recognised as a woman so you try and cover your face, cover the blonde hair, keep your head down,” she said.

“You’re not short of friends when you’re homeless and it might not be for the right reasons.

“You’re vulnerable and you’re desperate and you’ll grab any help you can.”

A stark reminder was the conviction of 24-year-old rapist Liam Stimpson, who was jailed for his “depraved” attack on a homeless woman.

“I was totally shocked to read it,” said Amanda. “I’d been following the case and pleased he’s been sentenced now.

“I hope the help and the support is out there for this lady. It’s not something that she’ll ever get over but I hope she learns how to cope.”