I’ll tell you what — I never thought I’d end up where I did. I had a life, a partner, a home. Twelve years together, gone in the space of a pandemic. One day I was talking about Arsenal’s chances in the league, the next I was trying to figure out where I was going to sleep.
The streets aren’t something you plan for. They just… happen. Two and a half years I was in and out of temporary places — hostels, B&Bs, sofas if I was lucky — and when there wasn’t anywhere, it was the pavement. I even ended up in a tent during Storm Ciaran, holding the sides down like that was going to stop the wind ripping through me. I used to joke about it, say I was “wild camping,” but truth was, it was brutal.
Fishing kept me sane. Still does. There’s something about watching the water that slows your thoughts down. Same with the football — even when Arsenal’s having a shocker, at least it’s a reminder that life isn’t just about survival.
Then someone put me in touch with First People. I didn’t know it then, but that was the turning point. They didn’t just hand me a set of keys and walk away. They sat with me. Listened. Helped me sort out the paperwork that had been hanging over my head for years. They got me to the right appointments, made sure I had proper ID, helped me budget so I could actually make my money stretch. They reminded me I had skills, not just problems.
They encouraged me to get back into the things I loved — fishing trips when I was able, talking football without feeling like I was just another bloke on the streets. They made me believe I was worth investing in again. Bit by bit, they rebuilt something in me I thought was gone forever — my confidence and self-esteem.
Now I’m in supported housing, and it’s a different life. I can put the kettle on without wondering where I’ll be tomorrow. I can make plans again — not just for the day, but for the week, even the month ahead. And I know if things get rough, I’ve got someone in my corner.
It’s not all perfect, but it’s mine. And after everything, that’s something worth smiling about.
