“The first time I had to beg for money, it was really hard. My Mum raised me to live a normal life, to work, have a home, a family. Not to do drugs, to be homeless, to be begging for money.”

Sebastian first came to The Connection, in early 2020. He had been rough sleeping on and off for a few months and doing small jobs to get by. He was not able to work at the time, having come from Poland and not having settled status.

Once The Connection at St. Martin’s started working with him, he felt ready to reduce his drug use. His Jamie, his keyworker and ‘mate’ (Sebastian’s words) helped link him up with Turning Point, one of The Connection’s partners, who help people manage their substance use.

From here, Sebastian started taking part in some of the other activities that the centre offers. He comes in most days for food and laundry services, and also attends groups like the photography workshop.

“If you cross that door, they’re going to help you. They ask you if you want to talk. They offer you if you want to take part in the activities. I am doing a photography workshop. It’s not just one day if you go to the course, it’s six weeks.

So, you have plenty of time to think about yourself, about everything… and it’s fun. With friends, with keyworkers, talking, walking…”

Now, Sebastian is going from strength to strength.

He recently celebrated 18 months of sobriety, finishing his rehab programme.

For his future, Sebastian wants to set up a support group for polish speakers struggling with addiction. He’s working with Turning Point to make this a reality and will be working there very soon.