Watford New Hope Trust

I was 25 and I wasn't happy living at home. I had problems with depression, with money and I didn't have any freedom so I just left. I came to Watford in July 2002. I just got off the bus here because I thought it was OK. I made a friend and he said I could stay with him for a few days. After that I got referred to the night shelter by a policeman.

I was homeless and I lost my son
At the night shelter they told me about the day centre. When I went to the day centre the outreach team helped me get a place at the YWCA where I stayed for nearly 4 years till April 2006. During that time I met a man, who is now in prison, got pregnant and had my son. He was taken away from me and has now been adopted. I lost my son. It was out of my hands. He would be three now.

I was offered a room in a privately rented house and moved there in April 2006 but then the landlord evicted me in August. I had to stay with friends for a few days until my boyfriend and I got a tent and stayed in the woods. After a week the outreach team helped me get a place in the night shelter.

They accept you for who you are
I moved into the cluster flats last October and at the same time I started to come to the Market Gardening Project. I used to come on a Tuesday and Wednesday but about a month ago I offered to do extra hours as we were busy getting ready for the open day in May. Now I come here 4 days a week. I like being in the garden. I like helping to grow the plants by potting them on. I like greenery as it makes me feel calm. I've learnt about most aspects of gardening but mainly about planting. Everyone is helpful and I get on with them here. They accept you for who you are.