Ryan was fresh out of prison after serving two years for a drug-related sentence. At first, things looked promising. He moved from London to Cambridge to live with his partner and quickly found full-time work as a kitchen porter. But when the relationship ended in early 2018, everything changed. With nowhere to go, Ryan spent 11 months sofa surfing.

“While I’d had my battles with addiction in the past, I was clean and sober again up until the breakup. But the sudden shift brought addiction back into the picture.”

Despite the challenges, Ryan stayed determined. He had a long history of gardening work before his sentence. In November 2018, while still sofa surfing, Ryan was referred to Cambridge Cyrenians and soon offered a place in our Jubilee Project, specialist supported housing for people with experience in the criminal justice system.

Ryan credits his Project Worker with providing meaningful, practical support:

“He helped me so much, he was just so understanding and having him there made all the difference.”

After some time at the Jubilee Project, Ryan moved to another Cambridge Cyrenians-supported house. We helped him make it feel like home, buying him garden furniture and tools so Ryan could create a warm, welcoming outdoor space for himself and other residents.

At the same time, Ryan began to grow his gardening business. Even when the pandemic hit, he stayed active, offering free services on Facebook and gradually building a client base. Some of those early clients still use his services today.

Things continued to improve. In 2022, Ryan received the keys to his own council flat, and we were there to help him make the move.

“They helped me with everything, from a voucher for Cambridge Reuse to get a sofa, fridge and cooker, to the basics like utensils. There was no pressure, just space and support.”

He still remembers how his Cambridge Cyrenians counsellor helped him through low moments, offering him the support he needed for his mental health and substance abuse.

Now two years clean and sober, Ryan runs his gardening business full-time. A friend helped him get started with a GoFundMe for tools and training, and his reputation has grown through word of mouth. He now works several days a week at a Cambridge hotel and has a steady stream of private clients.

“My life has completely turned around.”

In April, we reconnected with Ryan to request his services. He now helps maintain the gardens at our supported houses.

Now, Ryan is doing well and giving back! “It’s nice being part of the team. I’ve got a lot of time for Cambridge Cyrenians. They were a platform to get me into social housing, and I’m so grateful. I love my flat.”