Back from the brink

Homeless people with drug, alcohol and mental health problems are finding their way to a new life – thanks to Hull's new Clear-view treatment centre. Hull in print looks at how one of their residents is getting help to turn his life around.

Looking to the future: Martin Trory (left) shows Cllr Stephen Baker around the treatment centre set up with council help. The centre includes self contained living accommodation

Supporting each other: the centre's residents are committed to staying free of drink and drugs

If anyone has been to hell and back, it's Martin Trory.
During his troubled childhood an adult he trusted introduced him to cannabis when he was seven years old.
By the time he was 14 he was taking amphetamines and ecstasy, but that was just the start of his drug dependency.
He was addicted to heroin for 10 years and also developed a £600-a-day crack cocaine habit.
As his life spiralled out of control he slept rough on the streets of Hull while having spells in and out of prison.
Drug abuse took its toll on his mental health and at his lowest point, feeling suicidal, he was admitted to De La Pole Hospital for psychiatric help.
But now the 34-year-old is determined to rebuild his life. "I just got to the point where I thought enough is enough," he says.
"I wanted to clean myself up and get off drugs. "I feel better now than I have in years.
The centre is helping me, and if I wake up at 4am with cravings for drugs I know there is a member of staff there who can speak to me until the feeling passes.
"Drugs take away your self respect, but I'm proud of myself for getting this far.
I have a future to aim for and I want to go to Hull College and train to become a barber. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?"

A brand new start

The Clear-view centre, in Wawne Road, north Hull, run by English Churches Housing Group (ECHG) was opened earlier this summer with support from Hull City Council.
It is seen as an important part of the council's strategy for helping homeless people to get their lives back on track.
Clear-view provides living accommodation and 24-hour support for 14 men and women who are committed to staying drink and drug free.
"Many of our clients have lived chaotic lifestyles when they arrive here," says John Glenton, ECHG's regional performance manager.
"We provide them with an environment where they can find the appropriate help and structure they need to address and overcome their problems.
"They can move here with just the clothes they are standing in, we can provide the rest as long as they are committed to remaining drug free."
Residents are referred to Clear-view by doctors, social workers, drug treatment centres and hostels across the city.
They must not be taking any drugs or alcohol when they arrive, so the focus of Clear-view is to prevent them from relapsing and falling back into their old ways until they have kicked their cravings and addictions.
This is carried out by random drug tests and by keeping a close eye on the residents to make sure they do not show any signs of renewed drink or drug abuse, which can be mood swings or changes in their behaviour.
The residents, who can stay at the centre for up to two years, are provided with fully furnished apartments complete with their own kitchens and bathrooms.
"Residents have their own keys and can come and go as they please but they must follow our house rules and co-operate with our treatment programme," adds John Glenton.
"We hold drugs and alcohol awareness sessions every morning in the centre, and our residents are also given their own member of staff for one-to-one counselling and support.
"Peer support is also important - all the residents here have been through the same problems and have the same goals so they encourage each other to succeed.
That is a unique strength of Clear-view and it really seems to work."
The centre has its own computer facilities which mean residents can learn information technology skills to prepare them for college courses, job training and employment.
Residents are also given help in cooking nutritious and balanced meals, and they also encouraged to take regular exercise to boost their sense of well-being.
"Homeless people who have been through drink and drug misuse need supported accommodation as a first step to integrating them back into the community," says Angela Dunn, the council's head of community care services.
"We welcome the opening of Clear-view as it is building on the work of other drink and drug treatment services provided across the city."

info

For more information on Clear-view phone the centre on (01482) 310553.