Faheem’s* Story

You don’t know what support is out there until you hit rock bottom. That’s where I was when I realised I needed help.

I was struggling with my mental health; I was working as a bus driver but didn’t want to go to work. I didn’t want to do anything. I was feeling depressed, anxious and not myself. I knew something wasn’t right.

It got to the point where I couldn’t cope. I voluntarily went to hospital and ended up staying there for two months.

When I left hospital, I had nowhere to live. I was told about the Dame Gertrude Young House (DGYH) and referred to Hestia.

I have been living here for two years now. The team have helped me get my life back.

When I first came to DGYH, I was feeling lost. It was such a shock to move into a new environment and it was hard to adjust. My keyworker and the rest of the team have helped turn everything around.

Before, I didn’t even feel able to go out to the shopping centre; I was too anxious. They have helped me to readjust into the community and do the things I want to do at my own pace. I can go out on my own now.

My keyworker supports me with my medication and with my overall wellbeing through things like cooking and art sessions. They’ve helped me try and eat healthily too, as I found that I was comfort eating.

It’s 24-hour support here, so you always feel safe and secure. There is always someone there.

When I first moved in, I had to stop my job as a bus driver because of the medication I’m on. It was difficult because I wanted to get back into work so much.

My keyworker knew I had an interest in becoming a security guard. Just a few weeks ago they helped me to complete a training course and take an exam. Recently I got my results – I passed! I’d love to work in venues or in office buildings as a security guard, or even go back to working as a bus driver if I can.

My mind is clearer now. I know where I want to be in the next few years: supporting myself independently, working, and with good mental health. I want to move on.

I know with the support at DGYH I can get there. For anyone who is experiencing the same as what I did – please know, help is out there.

Which book has impacted me the most?

Kes by Barry Hines. The book is about a boy who goes through struggles in his life.

Which film has impacted me the most?

Training Day. Before I saw it, I had an idea of how the film was going to be. I was wrong. The film was the complete opposite of what I thought and left such an impression on me that I watched it five times in the cinema.

Which song has impacted me the most?

I'll Be Missing You by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans. The song left an impact on me because its lyrics were simple and catchy.

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