My name is Ian and I’m 46. At the age of 25 I decided to move back to London and lived in Cricklewood on my own, I took on a full time employment which was well paid as a dispatch rider for a courier service.

I began mixing with the wrong people as a result I found myself out of job and drifted into a life of crime. I ended up being given 200 hours of community payback and 9 months suspended prison service for growing cannabis.

I was advised by my sister to seek help in addressing my substance misuse, I searched the internet and found Foundation66 where I self-referred to the direct access services. After my initial assessment, I was allocated a case worker and also attended the group therapy.

I was referred to the Foundation66 housing options team by my key-worker for assistance with re-housing because the lease of the property I was occupying coming to an end.

With the assistance from my housing worker we arranged a meeting with the local authority resettlement team where they assessed the case and decided to put me on the finder’s fee scheme.

I continue to remain abstinent from all substances and I’m determined to remain this way. I have been in and out of employment as a painter and decorator. I’m endeavouring to train for a formal qualification in painting and decorating to help further my employment prospects. I have established contact with my family and make visits to see my elderly father in Milton Keynes periodically.

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