Sparky goes solo!

Former Recycling Lives Resident, Mark ‘Sparky’ Robinson, has successfully returned to independent living.

Our already much-missed former Resident - Mark 'Sparky' Robinson!

Sparky became a Recycling Lives Resident in July 2009, after being referred to us by the Fox Street Community Night Shelter for homeless individuals.

Recycling Lives provided him with his own bedroom and living facilities, as well as a social area where he could relax in front of the television and watch his beloved Preston North End or, if he fancied, play a spot of air hockey. Sparky proved to be a popular Resident from the very start and made many friends during his stay.

To put him in good stead for full-time employment, our specialist training team helped him attain a large number of qualifications, including Health & Safety in the Workplace, First Aid, Manual Handling & Safety Awareness and Drug Awareness. Additionally, working with Preston City College, Sparky acquired Information and Communication Technology Levels 1 & 2 and an NVQ in cleaning. These equipped him with a wide range of skills that boosted his confidence and employability by an enormous amount.

Now, thirty five year-old Sparky is employed full-time at Recycling Lives, working half a week as a cleaner and the other half on the bustling CRT line at the Recycling Lives Recycling Plant. He also lives in a one-bedroom flat in Penwortham, Preston. Sparky has always been keen to move into independent living and his enthusiasm, friendliness and hard-working nature is a testament to his success with us.

Giving individuals like Sparky a fresh start is the reason why the Recycling Lives charity was created. There are many members of society that are severely disadvantaged due to elements such as homelessness or long-term unemployment, and many struggle to regain a footing in their lives. Recycling Lives provides such individuals with the support they need to help them back on their feet.

Talking about his experience with Recycling Lives, Sparky said:

“I feel fantastic, my life has turned around and I am buzzing about my job and new gaff – I just need to keep focused and in the future, I will hopefully be able to setup my own cleaning business.  I think that anyone who needs help should give Recycling Lives a go as it really does work and the charity does what it says it will do.”

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