I'd never planned to become a barber. But my partner worked in a salon and suggested I give it a go. Turns out I was great! I’ve always been good with my hands and I can look at someone’s hair and visualise just how it's going to look with a certain cut. I loved my job and worked my way up over 12 years.
Yet, though I was doing well at work, behind the scenes things were getting out of control. After splitting from my partner and my Dad’s death, I found myself struggling with serious depression and anxiety. I turned to drugs which only made things worse. It escalated until I was using crack and heroin daily. I lost my job and my house and spent the next two years rough sleeping or crashing on friend’s sofas.
My drug use affected my health so badly that I risked dying. But I think my real turning point was losing contact with my family. I knew things had to change. I went into treatment 9 months ago and have been clean ever since - which has let me rebuild my relationships with those I love.
I’ve already started cutting hair again as a volunteer at a homeless shelter. I absolutely love it. That's me above giving a sharp look to one of the residents. By taking this course I'll get the qualification I need to find work. My dream is to be a successful barber once more and start my own charity giving free cuts to the homeless. I know it's possible to turn your life around and, with your help, I can share that inspiration with others.