3rd May 2022
Sanctuary Supported Living
Andrew moved to Stanley Grove with a long history of substance abuse. With the support of Sanctuary Supported Living’s homelessness service in Manchester, he is finally clean of drugs for the first time in 17 years.
47-year-old Andrew had spent almost 30 years in and out of hostels and sleeping rough on the streets. Looking to take his mind off his problems, and a means to escape, he started experimenting with illegal drugs, and his addiction soon spiralled. Trapped in a cycle of homelessness and addiction, his struggles only became worse.
In 2016, whilst staying in temporary accommodation, Andrew was referred to Sanctuary Supported Living’s Stanley Grove, which provides accommodation and support for rough sleepers in Manchester with complex needs. Living on the streets had taken its toll on Andrew, who had lost considerable weight and wasn’t in a good place. He said: “When I first moved to Stanley Grove, I had a bit of an episode at the start, but I was addicted to heroin and spice. For the first time in 17 years, my drug test is negative, and that’s really through the support of this place.”
"For the first time in 17 years, my drug test is negative, and that’s really through the support of this place."
He credits Mary, his Project Worker, for her help in getting his life back on track. By using the Outcomes Star model, Andrew teamed up with Mary to fulfil his potential and begin his pathway to independence. The Outcomes Star Model is personalised for each resident and tracks their situation and progress to enable positive outcomes. For Andrew, positive outcomes meant kicking his drug habit and being able to volunteer his time in the local community. He added: “To tell the truth, I’ve been in lots of hostels, and I’ve never had a Project Worker like Mary. She’s amazing.”
Stanley Grove works in partnership with the council’s ‘A Bed Every Night’ (ABEN) programme, which is part of their initiative to end rough sleeping in Greater Manchester. As part of the programme, they aim to provide breakfast, and a hot meal for residents in the evening and rely on donations to deliver this service. Andrew said: “Since being here, I’ve gained three stone! The donations are fantastic. But I’ve also learnt to budget, and I go shopping weekly and cook meals for myself and other residents here. I couldn’t have done it without the support of the Stanley Grove team.”
