After living in a caravan, having a safe, warm home and somewhere reliable to come back to means everything. As I like to say, it's nice to know my home isn't going to roll down a hill.

My name is Derek. I moved into Transform three years ago after returning to Sussex, where I grew up, following my retirement from the military. Before that, I was living alone in a caravan on the Isle of Sheppey.

My childhood was quite different from most. I spent my early years in a children's home before being adopted at the age of 10 and raised in Sussex.

At 15, I joined the Merchant Navy and travelled around the world before spending 18 years in the Army, serving in Germany, Northern Ireland, Kenya, Vietnam and other parts of the world. The military gave me purpose, structure and friendships that have stayed with me ever since. Once you've served, you never really leave – you just hand the uniform back.

Like many veterans, I experienced mental health challenges after leaving the Army. Walking with veteran groups became a huge source of support, and today I'm the lead for my local Armed Forces Breakfast Club, helping other veterans find the support they need. More recently, I've also volunteered in Ukraine with Impact Partners Ukraine, carrying out frontline evacuations. Helping others has always given me a sense of purpose.

When I decided to move back to Sussex, Transform was my first choice. The process was welcoming and straightforward, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made.

The support from the staff has been excellent. If I ever need help, I know there's someone I can turn to.

Having my own flat has made a huge difference. After living in a caravan, having a safe, warm home and somewhere reliable to come back to means everything. As I like to say, it's nice to know my home isn't going to roll down a hill.

The support from the staff has been excellent. If I ever need help, I know there's someone I can turn to. Just as importantly, Transform has given me a real sense of community. We look out for one another, enjoy social activities together and there's always plenty of laughter.

One of my favourite memories was our Victory Day celebration in the garden. Everyone came together, and it reminded me that Transform is much more than somewhere to live – it's a community.

After a lifetime of service, what matters most to me now is purpose, connection and stability. Transform has given me all three. It's given me a home, a support network and a place where I can continue helping others while feeling part of something myself. After everything I've experienced and everywhere I've been, it's reassuring to know I have a solid base and a strong community behind me.