Hi, this is Janek*. I moved to England in 2015 to live with my kids, but I struggled with alcohol and kept arguing with my children, so I had to move out. I moved to March, got a job and made some friends, but they all loved alcohol too, and before long I lost my job and my flat. 

Then one night I was drunk and tried to drive, and ended up in an accident. I had to go to court and I lost my driving licence. 

I owed money for my credit card and my court fines, and I was homeless. I lived in a tent in Wisbech for six months. Then I moved to the Ferry Project. 

The first thing they did was register me with a GP who could help me with all my health problems. 

Next, they helped me set up direct debits to pay off my debts, and taught me how to budget. 

I still struggled with alcohol, and one day I fainted at a bus stop. The doctors took an MRI, but didn’t find anything too wrong. They gave me pills to stop the dizziness.  

This health scare showed me that I needed to make some changes. Change Grow Live helped me to quit alcohol for good. I also quit smoking and started eating healthier. 

I really enjoyed all the activities Ferry put on. One day we went to Hunstanton, other times we played bingo and different games. A real highlight was Christmas dinner. 

Eventually Change Grow Live said I didn’t need them anymore, as I’d stayed sober for so long. My health was improving, and Ferry decided it was time for me to live independently, and last summer I got a council flat of my own!

*Name changed for anonymity