My goal is to get back to work as soon as I can, and to get back to my normal life. I have worked in hospitality for 15 years and I have a strong knowledge of customer service, have a keen eye for detail and know how to interact with people. I lost my job due to the pandemic, and as no one knows what the future will hold for this industry, I would like to be able to use these skills to become a security officer.
I first came to the UK to study, and started to work in a restaurant in Trafalgar Square. I loved it and was really starting to work my way up in the industry. However, when the pandemic hit, I had just changed jobs so wasn't eligible to much money with the furlough scheme so I started to fall behind with my rent payments and I had to leave my home.
I started sofa surfing on my friend's sofa, but they kicked me out in the middle of winter and I found myself sleeping in a park for 10 days. St Mungo's helped me find a hostel until I was housed in temporary accommodation in April 2021. I have a single room at the moment, but it's not very sustainable as the windows won't close properly and it's getting so much colder outside.
I have two children, one back home in Senegal and one who lives with me here in the UK who is 3 years old. They are my world, and everything I do is to make sure I can be a good father. I'd love to get back to work, find a suitable home and look after my little family. I really just want to be a good dad.