I joined the Freedom Project because I wanted to gain some experience of working in the UK, which is something I’ve never done. I also wanted to gain some self-confidence and to meet some new people.

Mustard Tree is a good environment where everyone shows respect, and the time I have spent here has helped me in many ways. I am much more lively and confident than I was – before I was very quiet and nervous. I can clearly see the change in myself: I have a lot of confidence in myself that I didn’t have before, meaning I can do things that I wasn’t able to do previously. And if there’s something I don’t know, there’s always someone who I can ask for help.

I’ve met some good people here, and the work itself is enjoyable. The routine of coming to work has really helped – I get up at 6am now and I’m usually in work for 8. I look forward to coming into Mustard Tree.

My main hope for the future is to find a job. The Ready for Work club and the support I have with looking for a job has been very valuable. I enjoy working at Mustard Tree and I hope to go into working in customer services or something similar – somewhere I can work with people. Right now I’m feeling excited and positive about it.