The one person in my life who gives me joy is my daughter. I would love to move into a place I can call my own, where she can come visit me.
A few years ago I suffered two serious injuries and they prevented me from living life as I knew it. I tried to continue working, but the pain was too severe and eventually, I had to quit my job. I used to love riding my motorbike but had to give that up as well. I suffered from depression and anxiety, and after some time I just lost the will to live and gave up on everything.
I shut everyone out; my family, friends and colleagues. This went on for years, until I finally tried to take my life. At this point my partner couldn’t cope with it all anymore and most of my family disowned me. I was asked to leave my home of 25 years, which I did, as I didn't want to cause more pain.
At the moment I live in a hostel and have to share a room with up to four people. We also share a kitchen and showers with up to 30 people. The one person who has stuck by my side through it all is one of my daughters. She took on the parent role, making sure I was eating and looking after myself. She sat with me, let me pour out my heart to her, and made me promise that I would never try to take my life again. I intend on keeping that promise and we are very close.
I've now come to realise that it's okay to seek help. I used to feel ashamed of what happened, but now I am not. I'm more positive and I want to move forward with my life. I would love to be back in full-time work and have a home to call my own. A place I can call my safe haven, and somewhere I can invite people over to come see me.
Apart from my daughter, working with Beam has been the first positive thing to happen to me in a very long time. I am very grateful and excited to start afresh again.