Craig F

For most of my life things were pretty tough.  I always wanted to do better but there were a lot of negative things in my life, influencing what I did.  I was going down a pretty rough road and it was hard to see a way out.  I realised though that the only one that could change my life was me, and I knew I was going to need help to get anywhere.

I worked as fruit and veg packer in a factory for a fair while.  But I lost that job, then my rental place went because I had no money to pay for it. I lived in squats – mainly partly built houses and empty buildings – moving around to stay safe. I was picking up work here and there, but my situation was pretty grim.

I ended up coming to Hutt St Centre for help. After some really tough times in the last year, when I struggled a lot, I now feel like I’m getting back on track.  I have heaps of determination and with Hutt St Centre’s support and by keeping on pushing, I’m in a much better place.  I got help here. They helped me get my forklift license; I did a course in civil construction and now I have my white card.  My next goal is my first aid certificate and full time work.

I now have my own place.  It’s small but I really like it.  Hutt St Centre helped me get it and I feel settled and happy for the first time in a long time. I have what I need. 

The last thing I ever want to happen again is to lose my job and my home.  I am so determined though that this isn’t going to happen.

Craig kindly shared his story in November 2014.