“I’m starting to put roots down”

“Nine years ago I was homeless, living on the streets in Worthing. I had two years on the streets. Turning Tides helped me immensely and put me in various temporary accommodations. I got moved about a bit. I couldn’t put down roots ‘cos I didn’t know when I’d move on to other projects.

When I first moved in here there was a positivity. The whole ambience felt positive. I was nominated to come here by Turning Tides – they realised that I would be appreciative of being able to make the most of this situation. Which I am.

It felt like home the day I moved in. It’s a sanctuary. Quiet and secure. It’s helped me with giving me a bit of stability. There’s a tranquility around here that I haven’t had in my life for a long time.

It’s not a noisy building, whereas I’ve come through other temporary accommodation which was noisy. Been a big difference. It’s been a lot more peaceful. I can sleep better, don’t have to queue up whilst someone’s in the bath so I can go to the toilet, or wait for the cooker. It’s more independence.

There’s a lot more freedom. You don’t get the third degree here. I only speak to staff if I have to. They’re not intrusive. Other places I was treated like a child and they were younger than me!

Here, I come through the front door and know it’s secure and that only people who should be here are here. It’s staffed during the day. The security, the cameras – we’ve got these guys to back us up.  That’s the difference. It’s a lot better.

I get support here that I didn’t get elsewhere. They’ve been brilliant here. One of the biggest things was working out how to pay my own bills. I hadn’t done it for years. I got support setting up the utilities. I know I can do it now. My Resettlement Support Officer guided me in the right direction and helped research discounts, helping me know what I’m entitled to. That’s actually saved quite a bit of money.

I work part-time cleaning at B&Q and I volunteer with Turning Tides, doing some events with them. I like meeting people. It’s quite nice for me personally to share my experience and what’s helped me.

I’m looking into moving into the private sector after this, but it’s finding the right place. We’re also looking into if I am eligible to be on the local housing register.

Took me nine years to get this far. It’s a hell of a long time until you finally feel settled but I feel I’m starting to put roots down.”