I had been in the army for two years when I was medically discharged. I made some terrible choices and ended up in a very bad place. Within two months of leaving the army I found myself in and out of Prison for seven years.
Five months ago I was homeless and living in a tent. I first heard about Change Stepw when I went to the job centre and saw a leaflet. Although I was sceptical I decided to go to the drop-in in Colwyn Bay.
This is where I met ‘Vrinty’ who helped me to find places to eat and helped me find a B&B so I wouldn’t have to sleep on the beach. Vrinty also helped to signpost me to the Royal British Legion who helped me access a grant for accommodation for the flat that I’m in today.
After a few months I began volunteering with Arch and Change Step, helping to cook meals for the homeless and helping to tidy war graves and war memorials. Ronnie has been a great help with general one to one support and has helped me access training courses. I’m about to start a 12 week programme called ‘Crew-it’ where I’ll gain skills and qualifications in catering and hospitality and I’m looking forward to going on a BTEC in Peer Mentoring. In the future I would like to work towards having my own café for veterans.
To other veterans who find themselves in a similar situation I would encourage them to speak with Change Step who have helped me get to where I am today.
