Hey, I’m Jason*. I came to the Ferry Project through their connection with the Criminal Justice System. I couldn’t live with my parents anymore because I was violent towards my dad. I was sofa surfing which wrecked my mental health, and I had no money. 

When I got to Ferry I struggled with alcohol and cocaine. I could easily get through a case of lager and two bottles of whiskey, and could only go about a week without drinking. I also have epilepsy. I was having a lot of seizures, and my medication was back at my parents’ house, but I wasn’t allowed to go and get it. I also struggled with anxiety and depression. 

The Ferry team helped me to get epilepsy medication, and worked with me to update my Universal Credit account. I’ve been meeting with the onsite Mental Health Nurse, which is the support I needed. They were even forgiving when jumped the wall after hours one night. They let me back in with a warning, and I didn’t do it again. 

Recently I learned to cook chicken tikka at the Cookery School, and soon I’ll work with the Smoking Cessation Officer to stop smoking. My life is getting better every day.

*Name changed for anonymity