Hello my name is Catherine, I am 37yrs old. I used to live with my mum in Thurrock until she went to hospital. She died in Jan 2009. I used to look after her. I would help her with the shopping and housework. When she died I was left in the house on my own, it was very frightening and I didn’t know what to do. My family from Ireland came over to help me. When my family went home to Ireland, I went to live in a house in Hathaway Road and had a lovely time there.

I came to live at Sunnyside on 1st October 2009 I wanted to learn how to look after myself properly and have my own flat. I love living at Sunnyside House, when I first came here I wasn’t scared, everyone made me welcome. I like the staff here.

I moved all my things in and soon made this my home. I was frightened that I would not be able to see my friends but was told that my friends are welcome here. My friends and family are free to come and see me whenever they want. I keep in contact with my friends at 'Footsteps' and 'Zero 5' clubs each week. I phone my family in Ireland.

We go out lots here, I go bowling, to the gym, swimming, we went to a disco, we go to the seaside and we go on the train to London. We have been to the Queens House and seen her guards, we went to the British Museum, we saw Phantom of the Opera and after every trip we have been to a restaurant for a meal, this was brilliant. I love trying different foods.

In December I had 2 mini strokes and had to stay in Basildon Hospital, I had lots of friends and family come to visit me. I am now much better and can get on with my life.

We learn so much at Sunnyside, we have key workers to help us. I know how to budget my money, cook a meal, how to keep my room clean as well as keeping the rest of the areas clean. I also know where to go to pay by bills after going to the bank to get my money. I have got a new job since coming to Sunnyside in a Charity Shop.

I love playing snooker with Gavin. He makes me laugh. I went to football yesterday to see West Ham. I am going to Ireland on the 28th May to see my family and I am staying for 2 weeks and I have a wedding to go to in July. I am getting help at Stansted Airport.

I will be getting my own flat soon now that I have learned living skills. I am looking forward to this. I hope I can live near my friend Susan. I will still be able to go for my holiday with Sunnyside even though I may not be living there anymore.

By Catherine