Watford New Hope Trust

I met the outreach team a couple of years ago when I was homeless. I have had a long struggle with drugs and alcohol and after splitting up with my partner things got worse as I lost my tenancy. Then I lost my job as I could no longer cope with the daily routine.

I didn't trust anyone anymore
I ended up on friends' sofas and occasionally had to sleep rough. I was depressed and drinking. Once when I was sleeping rough in the park I got attacked. After that I lost faith and I didn't trust anyone anymore.

I would see the outreach team at the day centre and there would be a chance of a bed for the night, but not in Watford. I wanted to be here for my probation and other appointments but the night shelter was full. One day I didn't go to the day centre and I missed my chance. Then I realised I needed to turn up every day and see the outreach team to get a place in the night shelter. I knew if I was given a bit of support I could be motivated to succeed and eventually I did.

I have hope
I've been in the night shelter now since Easter and I am waiting for a room in a cluster flat. I did an alcohol reduction programme and I'm also drug free now. I would love to go back to work but I have had problems with my memory since the attack.

I do have hope and I had it when I was homeless because I knew there was a way off the street if I kept working with the outreach team. Now I have the opportunity to get into a cluster flat. It's been a bit of a wobbly journey but I've learnt that when I'm in a more stable environment I become more stable. The staff here helped me to believe that I could change and that has given me confidence for my future.