Companion Stories: Ken

"I am much more confident in the kitchen now. I was a kitchen porter before but they said I was the worst person in the kitchen. I could burn a boiled egg. Actually, I burnt 60 boiled eggs once.

The most important thing I've learned is self-confidence. Preparation and presentation are really important. In hostels they just slap your food on your plate. If your food is served properly then it's much more appetising.

Bob keeps an eye on me. Things get a bit hectic at times but we generally get on well. He's good when I make a mistake – he tells me what I've done wrong but doesn't get angry.

Bob says he's going to start me doing evening meals soon, which I'm dreading a bit. It's different to lunchtime – there's more to do, different meats that need different cooking times. I don't think I'll ever manage carving though! I always make a mess of it.

I don't think I'll ever be a chef but I might be a good cook one day. If I get my own place then I'll be able to cook for myself properly."

"It's about two years since I lived at Emmaus. Now I'm clean. I'm off the drugs. I have my own flat and I feel as if everything is falling into place."