My name is Matthew Barber I’m a 28 year old husband and also a father of two, I was also known as Master Corporal Barber Formally.

I deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 as part of the Canadian forces Battle Group. For 5 years I carried issues that made living a normal life impossible so I ran away from Hamilton Ontario and move to Forest Grove British Colombia, like my 3 year old son hiding from monsters under
blankets, I hid in a remote part of BC hoping to hide from my problems.

Like everything else it catches up to you and in Nov of last year I attempted to end my life. I just couldn’t stand anymore and was formally diagnosed with PTSD.

Only with great support from my wife was I able to contact veterans affairs and get set up with Care west OSI clinic in Calgary. Being out of work I needed a place to stay while I underwent my therapy for a week at a time.

For the first few weeks I stayed with family and it caused more of problem then help with no money and relying on the Royal Canadian Legion for my transport to and from BC I was in a bad situation.

Until I was set up with the Legacy Place in Calgary for $15 a night you get to stay in a beautiful clean house with you’re own room. The young soldier that looks after the house is an amazing support to anyone staying there.

This last week in therapy staying at the house has been the best for me and feel my life starting to improve for the first time in a long time.

Matthew Barber