“If it wasn’t for Recycling Lives, who knows where I’d be now.

“I’d been homeless for about four months – things had spiralled quickly. I was in a very dark place. I’d lost everything through getting in with the wrong crowd – going out partying, not going to work.

“Church On The Straight introduced me to Recycling Lives – they said, ‘come with us, we’ll help.’

“The team got me into a shared house initially. It wasn’t ideal but it was a roof over my head and then they moved me to a more secure place soon after. That’s home now. They paid my rent up-front, got me a food parcel and kettle and toaster and things like that. And now I’m working so I’m paying the rent myself.

“I volunteered for two months first and then went into a job. Even though I’ve worked full-time before I was anxious about it but everyone’s so friendly there.

“I would never have thought life could have been this different just a few months ago.

“I’m proud of myself and I really do appreciate everything that’s been done for me.”