Michael's story
"I moved into St Mungo's Wharton Street project in Islington around spring 2010 after the breakdown of a long-term relationship that involved domestic violence.
"Before that I was using hard drugs and burgling homes and offices, handling stolen goods and 
shoplifting to pay for drugs for me and my partner.
"I grew up in Islington, always lived here. I never went to school much after 13 or 14 though. The last time I worked was in 1981, I was a painter and decorator and did some work on the gold leaf in St Paul's Cathedral.
"But I was hanging around with wrong crowd and started taking drugs, I was living with my nan at that point and she couldn't really handle it. I moved in with a girl, split up, moved abroad, came back, and then lived with my partner for a long time and two daughters but I was always in and out of prison. The majority of the things I did, I did them just to satisfy my then partner but I was never anywhere near satisfying her. I was always restless as I was always thinking of where the next fix or nice clothes will come from. My level of anxiety was very high and I was depressed but was always good at masking it with my ‘charm and personality'.
"In December 2009 I went to prison again for two months and when I came out on tag, that's when I moved into a St Mungo's project. Wharton Street gave me stability but the depression I was going through led to drinking problems. I drank so much that at times, I would pass out or fall downstairs, and my personal care of myself hit rock bottom.
"The support and acceptance from Wharton Street staff was unbelievable for me as it was not what I'm used to. I expected their judgement and criticism but none of that came.
"With all the support I got, I've managed to stay abstinent for over seven months although had a lapse after the news of health issue diagnoses. The anxiety and low moods started again but with the support of my substance use worker who gave me regular alternative therapy, acupuncture, and who I can talk to one to one, I was able to manage my emotions and am staying off the drink again..
"They were able to link me in with various medical professionals who are supporting me with different test and scans. With good treatment plans from them, I hope to have a quick recovery with my health. My worker has not relented. She escorts me to various appointments, and gives me acupuncture to help calm my nerves and get a good sleep.
"I'd never been in a hostel before, it was completely new experience but it's done wonders for me. This has been the first time in ages that I've been able to just wake up, walk around, enjoy the days,
"I recently got the offer of a bedsit flat and have signed a tenancy with Islington, which I never thought will happen but is a dream comes through for me. I am happy, more confident in myself and I appreciate all the support I got. "
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