Watford New Hope Trust

I left school at 14 years old and got a job as a chef when I was sixteen. I had that job for about one and a half years and then I was made redundant. After that I worked in a plastic bag factory and then went to Aberdeen and became a breakfast chef. Eventually I came back to Watford as I had friends and family in the area.

My life was a mess
I stayed at my Grandad's but when he died my cousin wanted to sell the house so I had to move. I was in and out of the night shelter for several years and slept rough near the hospital or stayed in friends' places. My life was a real mess. I was taking drugs and when I was on them I used to get ripped off and my money stolen quite a bit. Last time I ended up on the street was after being kicked out of a friend's house. I went to the night shelter and then got referred to the Community Home.

I felt accepted and welcome
I moved into a shared room in the Community Home about a year ago. Being here has brought stability into my life and the change in me has been dramatic. I enjoy the good food, working in the gardens and looking after the chickens.

I went on a weekend away where I managed to steer a boat and that was great and now I'm really looking forward to this year's holiday on a narrow boat. I've made some good friends here and my confidence has grown.

I am able to work with my key workers from outside agencies and I've done a certificate in Maths. I've also been able to save some money too. I'd like to get a job volunteering in the future.

I feel secure here. I like to cook for them and I see this as my family. From the moment I got here I felt accepted and was given a warm welcome. I hope to move to a flat in the future.