Hello, I’m Declan*. I grew up in Wolverhampton. My life there was rough. I ended up hanging around with the wrong people, doing drugs and drinking lots. I wanted to get out of there, so I moved to Wisbech, where my sister lived. Sometimes I’d sleep on her sofa, but she didn’t really have room for me, so most of the time I lived in a tent in the Horsefair car park. 

I came to the Ferry Project before, but I didn’t pay my rent, so I had to leave. However, they gave me a second chance. 

I moved in last summer, and this time I was really determined to put in the work. I set up a standing order to pay my rent, as well as paying Ferry back for the payments I missed last time. I started drinking less, and worked with the smoking cessation team to give up smoking. 

I started going to the Cookery School, went on the Wellbeing Walks, and joined in some other activities like bowling and the trip to the zoo. 

I met up with the Employment team, and with support from the Job Centre I found a job valeting cars once a week. My first day was tough, but I really enjoyed it. It felt good to have work again, plus my new colleagues are now helping me to get work at the nearby groundwork company too. 

I finally feel ready to move forward. I’m getting the support that I need, and I’m looking forward to moving out and living independently. 

* name changed for anonymity