Wayne

Life growing up was all right. I was never indoors – I wanted to go and mingle with the rest of the kids. I wanted to be one of them. 

I used to play on the swings. I remember accidentally walking in front of people and they'd drop-kick you six metres in the air, and you'd be like 'How did I get here?'

My dad and I used to have play fights that would get a bit rough. I wonder if it was to toughen me up – like, 'Stop being such a wuss. I'm trying to make you a strong man so you can defend yourself.'

When I was 13, some dark stuff happened.

Then, when I was older, I had a marriage breakdown, and a fallout in my family.

I lost my temper one time and it wasn't meant – you're counter-reacting to something that's going on for someone else and I obviously got into trouble for that.

I got a community order for being an idiot. I'm sorry for being that idiot.

That landed me on the street, three days before Christmas. 

I handed in my notice because I didn't want to go to work not washing, not having a shower.

I taught myself how to survive on the street. It was cold so I got a duvet and a blanket, and I used to get into a massive coat and wrap myself up. 

A lady came and gave me a warmer blanket and a bit of money. I spent it on alcohol because I had to drink to get myself off to sleep. Part of me was like, 'Look at you, you're on the street, drinking. What's the matter with you?'

A couple of people from Oxford Community Church came along, and one said, 'Do you mind if I give you a hug?' 

I said 'Er, I don't know you. But OK.'

After that hug things started to go right. 

I heard about the night shelter, and got a bed for the night.

A lady there said, 'When you're finished are you going to give us a TripAdvisor rating?' 

I thought, 'Well, you know, probably yes: "I had a one-night stay in a church room – five stars."'

That's where I met Rob and Jemma from ACT, and then moved into an ACT house.

Being part of the ACT community now means I can rebuild myself. 

I can show others that life isn't so bad, really, if you pray about it and give your problems to God. 

Whatever you're stressing about, whatever you're worried about – give it to God, mate.

The more we put God first, the better life becomes. 

Big thanks to the ACT team, every member, every brother, every sister in this team. The Lord is my shepherd, he really is. Thank you.