My daughter really makes me smile. She's my pride and joy. In a few years' time I hope to have my wife and daughter safely over here from the Philippines living with me in a secure home. I'm excited for us to build our lives together. I also want to be doing a job that I love.
I first had financial troubles after I lost my property business in the great recession in 2008. Two years later I lost my home and car and that's when I first became homeless. I've been homeless since then and have lived in many shared houses and overcrowded spaces, and even slept rough when I've had to. It's been a day to day kind of survival for the last 10 years. Being homeless makes you lose your self respect and your confidence in life because you can't see a way out. Fortunately things started to get better when I manage to get myself a hostel and the local council said they would help me find a solution to my homelessness. This shift has helped and filled me with hope for the future.
My motivation now is of course my family, but I also want the fulfilling feeling I get when I'm working. It makes me feel like I'm part of society. I want to help other people recover from alcohol and drug addiction, as this was part of my past. I have been sober for 18 years now, and it was getting help from others that enabled me to beat my addiction. My old mentor James Rocks (AKA Crystal Clear) has been a huge influence in my recovery, so I know how important mentors and support workers are. I think it's important to help people rebuild their life and give something back to show gratitude for the help I have received.
I am looking forward to learning new tools and techniques to make me a better person, therapist, partner and friend. I also believe I need to keep evolving and improving in life to help me meet my needs and other people's needs.