“If you want to change your life, Recycling Lives is the best way to go about it.
“It’s the first time in years that I’ve been able to see my life going somewhere.
“Years ago I got in with the wrong crowd and lost my job through drink and drugs. Life just went downhill from there. I ended up losing my flat and being homeless. I was in another homeless charity but there was no support there.
“I went to volunteer at FareShare and I met other lads who’d done the residential. Hearing what they’d got out of it, I thought I’d like that for myself. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in years.
“I moved in in March 2020, a week before lockdown. It was hard at first but we all stuck together and got through it. I probably would’ve been out on the streets otherwise.
“I wanted a job and somewhere to live but I didn’t expect it to be this good! I’ve got a supervisor job and a beautiful flat.
“I’m leading the social enterprise’s new workshop, working with people who’ve been in similar situations to me. It makes me feel really good that people have got confidence in me.
“I hadn’t spoken to my mum and sisters for years because of everything but now I can show them I’ve really changed.
“I wouldn’t go back to drink and drugs now – I’m too high on life.”