Music is the thing that gets me through hard times. Depending on what I listen to, it can relax me or motivate me. At the moment, I'm listening to motivating songs as I'm determined to get back into work and have a fresh start.
I became homeless when the construction agency I was working for weren't able to give me anymore shifts due to the pandemic. I moved from Birmingham to London as I thought there would be more work opportunities here, but I didn't have any luck finding something permanent. I didn't have enough money saved to pay for rent so I slept rough for a week or so at first. Luckily, after that, someone I knew let me sofa surf with them temporarily whilst I looked for work. If I find a few hours of work a week, I try to pay a contribution to rent but I know this isn't sustainable without a stable job.
I'm a painter by trade so I'd love to use my skills in that area if possible. For the time being though, it would be enough for me to get into any role and then work towards that again. Gaining my CSCS card is the first step towards this and getting my forklift license will open up more opportunities too. Once I'm in work and I've sorted out my housing situation, I'd love to help people in my position. Paying back the kindness of my supporters this way, will be very meaningful.