Winston's story
Up until 2008, Winston was living with his wife and children and had a full time job working for the Post Office. He then received devastating news that his father had passed away. Unable to cope with his grief, he turned to drugs. "The death of my father really affected me" Winston said. "I spiralled out of control and my wife kicked me out. I had lots of close family but no one wanted to take me in."
Winston spent a depressing week sleeping on the streets before his local housing officer thankfully found him a place at St Mungo's hostel in Cromwell Road, Kensington.
During his time at the project, Winston recalls "I spent a long period of time wondering how I'd got here. My key worker really pushed me to get back on my feet from day one. He saw something in me and suggested that I start doing some courses."
At the end of 2009, Winston attended a computer course at St Mungo's Learning and Development centre in Southwark and started brushing up on CV writing and interview training. Then one of our employment team suggested he apply for a Future Jobs Fund post.
Future Jobs Fund was a Government initiative set up to fund jobs mainly aimed at 18-24 year olds who had been out of work for six months and claiming Job Seeker's Allowance.
"I was really nervous during the interview but thought I have nothing to lose. I really wanted to be a project worker and knew that there were opportunities out there which I had to grab with both hands". The thought of his children spurred him on.
Winston got a six month post as a care worker at a St Mungo's registered care home in Islington. He was determined to do well. "The job was quite stressful but I got a huge amount of support from all the staff. Lots of the clients have mental health issues and it was really amazing to see them get back on their feet. I learned a lot about myself too."
He finished his six month post in September 2010 and immediately interviewed for St Mungo's Client Apprenticeship scheme. "I was shaking at the interview as it meant so much to me. When I found out I'd been accepted I felt elated and welled up. All my hard work had paid off" he recalls.
Winston began his 12 month apprenticeship as a St Mungo's project worker at Adamson Road mental health project last October. He was one of just 15 successful apprentices out of 150 that applied.
"The job is really challenging but I enjoy every day. The staff are really supportive. My manager helped me write a letter to get into my own place and I've now moved in to my new flat."
Winston's next goal is to get a permanent contract as a project worker. "I can then start on a fresh new set of goals!" he says.