Ray became homeless at a young age. With support, he left the streets and joined Putting Down Roots – St Mungo’s horticultural therapy and training project, through which we’re helping him to recover and build a more stable, happier life.
Listen or read below.
I became homeless when I was just 15 years old.
Before that, I was brought up by my grandparents. They made sure I was cared for, but I didn’t really have anyone to guide me through life. By the age of 13, I was drinking heavily and trying to find my own way.
When I became homeless, I slept wherever I could. Sometimes it was on the streets, and other times I stayed overnight on unlocked buses at a coach station. To eat, I would shoplift food, but the shopkeepers never got me into trouble. Looking back, I think they probably knew I was homeless and turned a blind eye.
There were many times when I was freezing on the streets. I’ve blocked most of those memories, but they can often come hurtling back. In honesty, I often ask myself how I got through it.
Drugs and alcohol helped me cope at the time. I spent years moving around, squatting and hitchhiking, just trying to survive. Eventually, I taught myself to juggle and became a busker, which gave me a small income.
A few years ago, I was living in a tent beside a river with my dog, Roxy. She was the reason I knew things had to change. I couldn’t give her up, but I also knew the life we were living couldn’t continue.
I was feeling unwell every day, and in 2021 I accepted help from an addiction recovery service. They supported me with shared accommodation, where I started to rebuild my life. I also give thanks to them for helping me live the life I do today.
Two years later, my support worker introduced me to St Mungo’s and their Putting Down Roots project – a gardening programme that supports people experiencing homelessness to build confidence, improve their wellbeing and learn new skills.
At first, it was a huge challenge. My social anxiety was so bad that I had to force myself to leave the house and attend the gardening sessions. But I kept going, turning up and listening to the adults!
I started planting flowers, sowing seeds and learning new skills. Even simple tasks were difficult at first, but gradually I started to feel more confident.
Putting Down Roots changed everything for me. It gave me routine, stability and a reason to get up and leave the house. Instead of isolating myself, I had somewhere to go, people to talk to and something positive to focus on.
I love building planters, growing plants and enjoying the fruit and veg that I’ve grown myself. Being outside and working with nature has helped me feel so much better, both physically and mentally.
I’ve now been sober from both drugs and alcohol since last February. I’ve also been living in my own flat for the past year, and I finally feel at home.
Things like paying bills, hoovering, washing up and having a routine might seem small, but to me they represent how far I’ve come. I’m basically living the dream now!
I still have difficult days, but I don’t isolate myself like I used to. St Mungo’s has helped me realise that people want to listen and that I have a future.
One day, I’d like to support others who have been through similar experiences. I want to use my story to help people see that change is possible.
St Mungo’s gave me the confidence to take back control of my life and start moving forward.
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