I have somewhere I can close the door and call home.

I’ve been a Southdown tenant for 22 years.

Unlike other big housing associations, Southdown takes care of you. It doesn’t forget you.

I used to be a rough sleeper and lived in squats in London. I then lived in a council property in Lewes but there was black mould everywhere. They had to gut it to fix it, so I was rehoused here.

I was really happy when I moved. I have somewhere I can close the door and call home. At the time I was drinking too much. But I gave up drinking and I haven’t regretted it at all.

People shouldn’t feel shame about what they’ve been through. That’s why I’m sharing my story. I’m an ex-alcoholic, I have diabetes, asthma, and other health problems. I was diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome ten years ago which is very rare and means I have to have hormone injections every three months. It affects my learning, my mood, and it makes me tired. I get irritable. I was also diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. The injections help stabilise my mood and body.

You’ve got to find a way to live. Life’s too short otherwise. I enjoy cross-stitch. It stops me sitting at home staring at my walls with my depression.

I first started 13 years ago. I just picked it up and learnt along the way. I teach people too! I get satisfaction from it. It makes me feel calm. I can do it for hours and hours. I get bored easily and so this uses my mind and stops me feeling low. I just love doing it. It stops me floating away.

I’ve always been a helper. I like looking out for people. Having the stability of this home means I can look after my mum nearby and maintain my friendships. I have lots of godchildren and meet people every day. I love it!

I’ve got all these talents and I’m finding ways to use them. Like popping round to make a cup of tea for a friend before their carer comes, building a garden that is wheelchair accessible, or helping someone paint their home. Friends help each other.

It’s brilliant being a Southdown tenant. The staff are fantastic. They don’t judge you or patronise you. You can rely on them, they’re alert and know what’s going on. And they’re friendly and polite. I feel like I’m treated like a human being.

I’ve got dyslexia so the Housing team are really helpful and supportive with any issues I might have around my rent, repairs, bills, and council tax. They always make sure I’m okay. They’ll always ring me back. I have a lot of respect for them.

I feel listened to by Southdown. It cares about its tenants. I’ve had Christmas cards some years and receive a Client and Tenant Involvement Quarterly Newsletter which tells us what’s going on. They want to hear our ideas and they’ve introduced me to new things and given me new ideas. Since I’ve been a tenant, I’ve learnt so much.

Southdown is one of the best. If I didn’t have this flat, I’d probably be on the streets.