I’ve lived in supported housing before, but this time it feels different. I came to the scheme after my house was condemned and I had to move on from short term accommodation, after a period of ill health. I’ve experienced domestic violence in the past and had low confidence. I’ve spent time in prison and I was a street worker for many years to fund my drug addiction. Since being supported by my Key Worker Matt I feel like everything has improved, even my relationship with my mum. Stabilising my addiction has been the catalyst to getting myself better and stronger. I’m now managing my appointments with external services able to come to visit me at home which is very helpful as I suffer from chronic pain, so I struggle to get about. In the past, missing my appointments had led me back to old habits, but this time it really is different. I used to feel embarrassed before but my Key Worker Matt is someone I can talk to and someone I trust. He always does what he says he will do. He listens, provides honest feedback. He gives me a kick up the bum when I need it and the support I have now is something I haven’t had before and it’s made a huge difference. I now enjoy socialising with other residents. We enjoy activities together such as cooking and DVD nights with popcorn. I’m really looking forward to getting in the communal garden and potting some herbs next year. I really enjoy art too and Matt has said he is going to help me explore this further, so I can eventually look at setting up a little enterprise selling stuff I make.