Ben can often be found entertaining the other guests with his incredible piano playing. He’s self-taught and, although he plays popular music, he’s also gifted in making up tunes which other guests sing along to – here’s an example.
He’s 21 and had been living by himself since he was 15, which is when he also started work, wanting to make it on his own. He moved over from California to work as a modelling coach but then lost his job, which led him to being on the streets for a week, an experience he describes as “tough and kind of scary”. It’s typical of him to downplay the hard times – his friendly personality has made him a popular member of the shelter.
New Horizons referred him to us about a month ago and he’s now working as a waiter at the Chelsea football club – although his dream is to become a nurse – and is hopeful that when he can afford to, he can move out and pursue this.