An Ipswich man has expressed his delight at getting his "dream job" after 16 difficult years of sofa-surfing across the country.

Ali Mahmood, 34, initially moved in with a friend in London after fleeing his war-torn homeland of Iraq in 2006.

For over a decade, he moved from the capital to Cardiff, Colchester and Ipswich - working a series of jobs but never having his own address.

In 2021, he was referred to Berners Street, part of Sanctuary Supported Living’s Ipswich Homelessness Supported Housing. The service provides accommodation and personalised support for single young people aged 16 or over, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

There, he finally settled into a stable property and learned essential skills such as how to pay both his own rent and bills.

"It was a safe, friendly place that helped me when I needed it most," he said.

"Before then, I was just living from house to house, never settling in my own space."

Ali worked in a factory, a restaurant and a fish and chip shop before finally deciding to go for his dream job as a taxi driver.

"I like driving and I like having conversations with people," said Ali.

"I decided that this job would be good for me."

Having lived in the Sanctuary Supported Living property for over a year, Ali was supported by the organisation to take his taxi driver exam.

The group worked with the Rope Trust, Ipswich FIND and LWA (Local Welfare Assistance) to help cover essential fees.

"When I passed, I was just so happy," he said.

"I really just can't believe it. After 16 years, I have finally managed to get my dream job.

"I did it!"

Looking forward, Ali is now set to live independently, in his own, private property.

He said: "I will miss the people at Sanctuary Supported Living because they have been so supportive of me.

"I am so grateful for all their help.

"I have been across the country and have never settled anywhere.

"But now, Ipswich is my home. I love it here."

Support workers at Sanctuary Supported Living said they never doubted Ali and they're so happy to see him succeed.

Candace Hockley, the organisation's Local Service Manager and employee of 13 years, said: "Learning independent life skills is very important here.

"We're over the moon to see Ali achieve what he has.

"He has worked so hard to get to where he is now.

"We always knew he could do it."

Find out more about Sanctuary Supported Living’s services here.