I’ve just turned 30. I used to have a place in Bristol, but I got an offer of work in Canary Wharf. It was an admin position in a marketing company and it seemed like a pretty good opportunity. I started work and paid for a hotel for the first 7 nights. The pay wasn’t too bad but I couldn’t find anywhere I could afford to rent and just surviving in London was incredibly expensive. I very quickly used up all my savings. I knew the British Red Cross from Bristol, so I phoned them up and they made a referral to the shelter – I was just really lucky that they happened to have a space. Because a got a bed at SFTS, I was able to keep my job which I’m still doing part time. I’ve also got a side hustle being an extra in the movies – crowd scenes, that sort of thing. It varies how much work I get, but it’s quite good fun. Eventually I want to run my own business.
I’m desperately looking for somewhere to rent – I pay an extra fee to spareroom.com to try to get to see rooms first but I’m not having much luck. London is so expensive that I’m looking in Southampton or anywhere a bit cheaper outside of London.
When I first came to the shelter I had no idea what to expect but the staff and volunteers made me feel so comfortable and at home. They gave me a laptop so I could keep working. I use the gym and I’ve done the Yoga classes. I’ve just enrolled in Portuguese classes.
I feel optimistic for my future, staying at the shelter has enabled me to save up for a rent deposit and I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to move into my own place soon.
SFTS have offered me everything they could – great food, showers, laundry a nice bed, but most of all they’ve provided me with safety and the chance to start the next chapter in my life.