I'm a butcher by trade and I know my stuff. I've worked in that industry for 15 years and it’s a world that I’m so comfortable in. It’s an amazing feeling to know a trade as well as that.
I became homeless at the end of last year when I lost my job. The pandemic had a huge impact on my work and my employer didn’t furlough me, but instead let me go. I have always rented in London and it was the first time that I’ve ever fallen behind with rent. Eventually, I reached the end of my final pay packet and I had no choice but to sleep rough. I’m currently sleeping in a church and getting support from the Newway project who made my referral to Beam.
I’m living through the biggest challenge I’ve ever come up against. When you go through times like this you realise how fast things can take a turn for the worst and how lots of us are just one pay cheque away from being homeless.
I used to drive the forklift in my old job to unload goods from the van so I hope transferable skills like this will help me find a warehouse job quickly. Getting this support to find work is really critical for me right now. I dream of a future that’s not so grand but one where I have a stable job, a loving family and good friends.