Sidney's story
Sid, 61, recently started studying for his City and Guilds qualification as a 'GreenHeart Practical Gardener'.
Sid's parents separated when he was seven. He grew up in foster and residential homes until the age of 15, when he moved back in with his mother. He found it difficult living with her, as they didn't really know each other, so he moved into a hostel for about three years.
At 18 Sid started working and moved into private accommodation. He worked for the next 30 years in different jobs but he was made redundant in January 2008. Unable to pay the rent for his flat and keep up with the bills, he became homeless.
Sid spent three weeks sleeping rough in doorways in Camberwell. During this time he felt very vulnerable as he was approached by various people who tried to cause trouble. He felt threatened by other people on the streets and remembers it as a dangerous time.
"Being on the streets is a horrible experience. People threatened me and it could have got violent. I slept in shop doorways and went to day centres for food. I didn't have any bedding and just slept in my clothes. It was January so the weather was freezing cold."
Sid first became involved with St Mungo's when he was referred to Great Guildford Street hostel by an outreach worker. He enrolled as a volunteer on St Mungo's Putting Down Roots gardening project and worked with them for a couple of years.
During this time he was inspired by his tutor and is now very enthusiastic about gardening. Sid's aim now is to become a qualified gardener. He is attending Capel Manor College at the Gunnersbury Park Centre, where he is studying for his City and Guilds level 1 as a 'GreenHeart Practical Gardener'.
Staff from our Employment Team researched and identified the course and liaised with the College to ensure that Sid would not have to pay the tuition fees. Sid said:
"I felt on top of the world when I succeeded in getting on this course, and am ready to take on the challenge."
And Sid's plans for the future?
"I'd like to continue my studies and do level 2 City and Guilds, 'The Garden Expert', and then the Edexel National Diploma in Horticulture. Ideally, I'd like to find a nice job in gardening, particularly garden design and planting. I'd also like to pass on the knowledge I'm gaining so would be interested in teaching assistant jobs"
"St. Mungo's is a brilliant organisation with brilliant people working there. I've no idea where I'd be if it wasn't for St Mungo's. I can't imagine it."
Read about St Mungo's involvement at the Chelsea Flower ShowRelated content
- Chelsea Flower Show - Internal page
- Endsleigh Gardens Briefing - PDF