I was 17 when I first started dabbling in drugs and alcohol. Within a year I had completely alienated my friends and family and was kicked out of my home. The people who’d got me started on drugs weren’t quick to help and I found myself at a real loss and unsure where to go next.
Luckily a friend of my older sister who I knew for a number of years had moved out to London and offered me an escape. He was in his late twenties and had experienced similar issues to myself at a younger age and was always there to offer support.
For two reasons I didn’t think twice, obviously I was now homeless and needed somewhere to stay but he was also doing very well for himself financially and I hoped this would be my chance to turn shit around.
We arrived at his apartment and within a few days he’d helped me land a job with a friend of his just doing some painting and decorating but it kept me busy and got some money in my pocket.