It started when I became homeless due to circumstances beyond my control
I was also very addicted to Class A drugs at this point and I found out about SHOC from word of mouth and also through probation.
Probation had been helping me get through my drug abuse and also helping me not to reoffend as I was given a prison sentence for 6 months due to my drug addiction. When I was released I then went to SHOC as I was homeless. I asked the staff to see if they could help me find a place to live.
Eventually they found me somewhere and after I had settled in I then found out about the courses that SHOC organised in the Springboard Learning Centre, which are Horticulture, Cookery, Computing and Photography.
I joined them all and I have really been enjoying each and every-one of them. They have also made me come out of my shell and made me more confident in myself.
Since I have been at SHOC I have come a long way from being homeless to doing the courses I have specified. If it was not for Springboard at SHOC I don’t know where I would be so I thank them gratefully.
I have continued to do these courses and I have received certificates for them which I am very pleased about. I will keep up with these courses as it will help me for the future, so once again I thank SHOC for the help that they gave me.
Having improved my self- esteem, my job search program took a turn for the better. After appling for numerous positions I gained successful employment on 08/08/11 with Frontline Solutions Removals. My job description is Removals Porter which entails moving customers in and out of their homes and packing of personal goods etc.
This job has given me the confidence to explore other vocational sectors with a view to personal progression possibilities.