Watford New Hope Trust

When my Mum died my Dad remarried, but I didn't get on with my Step-Mum. I wanted to leave home when I was 18. I was living in Hemel and my psychiatrist suggested that I move to the YMCA in Watford where I worked.

Twenty five years in a hostel
I lived in the YMCA for 25 years as there was nowhere else to go. The head of housing at the YMCA suggested that I should get help from the New Hope Trust and Rob from the Tenancy Sustainment Team came along and helped me to get registered with 3 housing associations. That was 2 years ago. I was offered one place but it was too far away for work. Then the next place I was offered was in a development right near the town centre, so I went to look at it and liked it very much.

I moved into my own place
In February 2006 the TST helped me to move my things and get settled. It took 3 weeks to get a small community care grant and that was used to kit out the flat.

When I lived in the YMCA I always ate out as I didn't have a kitchen. So TST got Steve involved, who teaches life skills, and he taught me how to cook before I moved into my own place. They also helped me to sort out my bills.

Moving here has certainly changed my life. I'm more confident and it has helped me get to know people. I work for Scope 6 afternoons a week as a volunteer. I'm also now doing a NVQ level 1 Retail Skills Training Course through West Herts College. I do my placement for the course at Guideposts 2 mornings a week. I'm going to try to get a job soon.

I've known the TST for just over 2 years now and I know if I have any problems I can go straight to them for help. Going to the coffee mornings has helped me to make new friends. The team have given me hope and opened a lot of doors for me.