I moved into Flax Foyer almost 2 years ago due to family problems and substance abuse. These things were affecting my mental health and I didn’t know where to turn. With the help of my keyworker in the Foyer I was encouraged to engage with external services who could help me try and turn my life around. I engaged with Joanne from Daisy – she was brilliant and made me realise that I had a problem. I still to this day see Eamonn from Aspire – absolute gentleman, would recommend anyone who needs their head cleared to speak to him, definitely worth it. I also started playing football 3 nights a week, this helped me with my mental health and also to kept me fit. Currently I’m taking driving lessons and hope to be on the road soon, I passed my theory test a few months ago – picture me driving lol.
In the Foyer I have taken part in loads of groupwork sessions and have completed lots of qualifications with Extern including peer mentoring, drug and substance, peer pressure & employability and so much more. But more importantly, I loved it when the fella got us our Chinese every Tuesday night.
When I arrived in the Foyer I had no idea how to get a house and how to get points. Without the Foyer team who always went out of their way for me, I would be lost. They did everything for me like ringing the Housing Executive, emailing the people who could help, and always keeping me up to date. Collette (my 1st keyworker) was so nice to me when I arrived, always checking in on me, helped me settle in and made sure I was always sorted. “I was a confused little boy, but now, I’m an independent young father, who can now start to believe he has a future”
I don’t know where to begin with thanking the Foyer staff and what they have done for me, from the night staff; Martina, Bryan, Lisa, Vic, Chloe and Ronke, I want to thank each and every one of you. No matter how many questions I asked (trust me, there was a lot) and the times I came in from a night out, you’s were always on hand to help and answer and never complained. The day staff; Nuala, Holly, Heather, Poushali and Sean, the craic was always great. I would be totally lost without yous and what each and every person has done for me. I think I would have ended up on the streets if I hadn’t been accepted in Flax Foyer”.
Now, I’m a young father to my beautiful daughter, completely clean of substances, and with the help of the Foyer team trying to get my own place for me and my daughter. I am also starting to look at jobs so I can work to provide for my family. “I’m not leaving here, I’m going to get a job in here (Flax Foyer), if I’m late, you can buzz me across the way. Really a big thanks to everyone in Flax Foyer and what they do to help young people like me.