Watford New Hope Trust

I've been coming to the Furniture Recycling scheme for 4 or 5 months now and it has given me hope. I've had my ups and downs over the past 10 years and a bit of a drinking issue. It all started after a relationship went wrong. Then I lost my job. I moved back to my parents' home but had to leave after an accidental fire.

I was in a bad way
I lived in a tent for 4 months and a hostel for 2 years. I had to leave the hostel because of my drinking. I got a place in the night shelter and then at the Community Home but I was going out and drinking more so I had to go back to the night shelter. I was in a bad way. I did an alcohol reduction programme and then moved to a cluster flat but after a few months I was drinking again.

Finally, after another stay in the night shelter, I moved back to the cluster flats 6 months ago. I just realised that the drink was getting me nowhere. I talked to the staff and got help with my medication. I was holding onto a lot of grief and guilt from my past and I had to decide what I was going to do now.

I have a sense of self worth
I suffer from depression and anxiety and I'm funny round some people but the guys at the project are down to earth and I can relate to them. I come 3 days a week. It's like a family and I know if I have any queries I can always talk to the staff.

Coming to woodwork helps me get out of the flat and gives me a chance to learn new skills. I like doing things with my hands but most of all I enjoy making things like the bird boxes. Before I was lost and I felt I had no place in life. Now I have a sense of self worth and that I'm doing something valuable and giving something back to the Trust.