Before

When I was growing up there were a lot of problems at home and Social Services became involved.  I was always in trouble at school and was suspended for fighting.  I had a lot of anger. When I left school I was always drinking and taking drugs; I mixed with the wrong people and got into a lot of trouble. I was charged with driving offences and theft of 2 motor vehicles. I had 2 years on probation and they helped me.

My Dad died in 2003. I also had a bad motorcycle accident and I became very depressed and turned back to drink and drugs to help me cope.  I used to self harm and would cut my wrists and arms; I even tried to hang myself. I lived in a hostel in Witham and was part of a gang and couldn’t stop getting into trouble. I knew I needed to get away from Witham.

Braintree Foyer

My brother John lived at Braintree Foyer and he advised me to apply.  The staff knew me and knew my problems, but they gave me a chance.  I moved into the Foyer in 2007 and was determined to change my life around.  I was on anti depressants and had problems controlling my anger and I would punch walls to get rid of my frustration. The staff, especially Jane and Barbara, knew how to handle me and how to calm me down when I was stressed.  My project worker, Jane, helped me a lot and would get me to talk about what was on my mind.  At first I didn’t like talking about my problems.  In one interview, we sat there for about an hour because Jane said to me, ‘I want you to start talking when you are ready’.   Jane always listened to me and gave me good advice even if sometimes she would nag me to do things. I have so much respect for Jane and I still come to talk to her about my problems.

Getting Involved

I started to get involved in activities at the Foyer and joined the residents association.  When a new manager came, we decided to raise money to build a gym. We raised over £8000 and built a gym and common room.  I got a V50 award and went to an awards dinner at the Hilton Hotel in London. I became chair of the Gym committee and we named the gym “Buff gym”.  I lost a couple of stone through training and was voted gym member of the month for May and June. This really boosted my confidence. At the Foyer, I completed my ‘Passport to Independence’ and City and Guilds Learning Power award.  I helped to set up a fishing club and we taught new residents how to fish.

Security Training and SIA

I got help from the Prince’s Trust and Jobcentre to pay for a Level 2 Security Course and SIA Licence to become a licensed Security Guard.  I was offered a job on the door of a local club, but had no money to pay for boots and a stab vest.  I applied to the Cowan Fund and they agreed to pay for the boots and vest.  I have been working for over 5 months now and have recently been made the head doorman at The Ivory Peg in Chelmsford.  It is still only a part time job, but I’m always on the lookout for more work.

Move On

In July 2009, I moved out of the Foyer into my own SAHA flat in the Rue des Jeunes.  I feel proud that I have my own flat and have decorated and made it into my own home. I worked hard to get my own place and had a lot of support to help me.  It feels weird not being at the Foyer but I still visit a lot and know I am always welcome.  I even played in the SAHA cup 5-aside tournament recently and scored a hat trick!