Chris Kilmartin doesn’t live on the streets any more and is turning his life around. He’s given up drugs and is now looking for a job.

He’d been sleeping rough or on friends’ sofas until he moved into a drug rehabilitation centre. Then, earlier this year, he went to live in Meadow Lodge in Stretford, Manchester, owned and run by Manchester Methodist Housing Association.

The scheme provides accommodation and support for homeless people in the Trafford area. It has 20 one and two-bedroom flats, plus training and communal facilities.

Recently, Chris took a 12-week structured course, run by Phoenix Futures, to help get him back on his feet. The project provides drug treatment, and aims to challenge destructive behaviours. Diversionary activities are combined with group and individual therapy.

“The course has been brilliant,” Chris says. “We’ve done everything from relapse therapy to going out for bowling and pizza.”

Now he’s determined to get his life back on track. “I’m ready to take on responsibilities again,” he says. “I want to get back into work.”

Importantly, the support he’s been given has helped him improve links with his family. “I have a better relationship with my son,” he says. “He’s 13 years old and visits me all the time.”