Hello, I’m Theo*. When I was younger, I went to university and got a Computer Science degree, but afterwards I couldn’t find a job. I moved in with my grandparents in Wisbech, but when they passed away my brother took over the house, and because I couldn’t pay to live there he asked me to leave. So my Mum brought me to the Ferry Project. 

I was anxious about everything, and smoked weed to help keep me calm. I had loads of appointments to go to when I moved to Ferry. It was really overwhelming. I wanted to go to counselling and the cookery school, but my anxiety always stopped me.  

Walking always made me feel better. I took loads of walks, especially in the evening when there’s fewer people around. I realised that the weed was making me worse, and after a few months at Ferry I managed to give it up. I was really proud of myself. 

One time I went to the cheese toastie morning at Ferry. It was the first event I’d been to. I didn’t stay for long, and didn’t speak to anyone, but I was glad I went. The toastie was delicious, and my key worker was proud of me. 

The doctors gave me some medication for my anxiety, and this helped me to start going to all my appointments. I moved into a new room at Ferry with a kitchenette, which was great. I started having face-to-face therapy with a counsellor too. It was exhausting, but it helped a lot. 

After a year, my key worker suggested that I move to Mill Close, the move-on accommodation at Ferry. They thought I might be too anxious to make the move, but I wasn’t. I’ve now moved in to Mill Close, and I’m closer than ever to living independently again. 

* Name changed for anonymity