Matt’s sporting skills are being challenged by some talented table tennis players; including Gary Bishop!

We are keeping everyone well refreshed with drinks and happy with ice cream donated by Fare Share.

I have been in an abyss and practically destitute for the last 3 years, life has been torture, but 3 weeks ago I came to Justlife and this little place has changed my life.

3 years ago I lost everything, my partner, my family, my home. I ended up just existing, eeking out a living just to survive. I was on the streets for a lot of this time and have lived in car parks, squats at the universities, anywhere I could put my head down. I met some good people on the streets, some people were kind to me, but life was hard.

I went to prison and came out in September last year. The probation service tried to find me somewhere to live, but there was nowhere suitable. The place that they showed me round was disgusting. I spent the next few months staying with people that I knew, but these never worked out. The people I stayed with would be drinking and life was chaotic. I was back on the streets again in January.

Desperate for somewhere to live I was put in Gransmoor Avenue. I had heard about Gransmoor, as it has such a reputation across the city, and I was dreading it. It was awful.

I ended up leaving and I had heard about Justlife so the next morning I sat outside with all my bags. Just waiting and hoping someone might be able to help. I first met Alex, who assured me that they could help. She welcomed me in and introduced me to other people at the centre. That very same day, they helped to get into a local guesthouse, which was slightly better. Nigel came over with me and helped carry my bags.

I came back to Justlife to meet with the housing officer, Dave Unsworth, and he got me an interview at Victoria House, supported accommodation. The next day I had an interview and they phoned me the same day to say that there was a place for me. When I first stood in my home at Victoria House, I thought, this is dreamland stuff! Everything changed so quickly since I arrived at Justlife.

I just can’t thank Justlife enough. I now have hope for the future, I have more courage and confidence, I have some belief in myself and I am happy. Having a more stable home will enable me to see my children and just takes so many worries off my mind.

I have had 3 years of torture but now I am on my way. Justlife has changed my life.

Thursdays are our ‘Connect’ day when people are encouraged to connect with people – family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in their local community. This Thursday we organised a trip to MediaCityUK to have a look around and gain a feel for all the new developments on Salford Quays.

Many of the service users at Justlife have very routine days centred around Openshaw so those that came on the trip really enjoyed piling into a taxi minibus and exploring a new place, along with enjoying some surprise free lunches provided by Salford University and a coffee at the Lowry café!

With this in mind we have been trying new things. We have created a table tennis table in the reception area (pictured), which is great for games and socialising. Table tennis is a popular sport and we have applied for funding for a fixed outdoor table as well.

As part of the gardening workshop, Mike has taken a group on a foraging walk in the local park, collecting edible berries, roots and mushrooms. The group really loved learning about foraging and spending time in the ‘great-outdoors’.

Tomorrow, Matt is taking a number of people to an exhibition about homelessness at Media City, Salford Quays. We are looking forward to a trip out and helping people to engage with issues that are very real to them.

If you are interested in running an activity or have an idea for a workshop or session then please do get in touch.

Nigel Fyles, PRS Manager, is creating an impact already. Alongside liaising with partners and building links with landlords, he has worked with Matt Lloyd to identify 3 existing Justlife service users for PRS tenancies and moved quickly to set these up.

Alongside rehousing people Nigel is also working with people to ensure they have the skills to maintain the tenancy and liaise with the landlord. Where the tenant has additional support needs Justlife is ideally placed to directly support or refer other needs.

Justlife at Home is holding an event at Manchester City Council, First Street, on Tuesday 22 May 10am-12pm, where landlords and other services are invited to find out more about the scheme.

Download the Justlife at Home leaflet.

Download the Justlife at Home poster.

This support is part of the Waitrose Community Matters programme, which supports community organisations and charities working locally to their stores.

If you are in Manchester city centre during May, please visit the Waitrose store and vote for Justlife by popping a green token or two in the Justlife box (as demonstrated in the photograph). The store, based in the Spinningfields area of Manchester City Centre. Click here for the details.

This support from Waitrose is the latest in corporate support for Justlife, following marathon sponsorship from Barclays and the donation of sports equipment from Decathlon.

The programme said:

“Alastair Jones, seasoncard holder from Stretford with his son in the North Stand, and his friend and fellow City fan Gary Bishop from Openshaw both ran the Brighton marathon on Sunday 15th April. Alastair says: “It was Gary’s first ever marathon and my second, but we have been inspired by City’s efforts this season and cheered the familiar 6-1 victory over Norwich the day before to help inspire us to achieve our goals of completing the 26.22 mile course.”

No mention for Justlife, but lets hope people look closely at the ‘Running for Justlife’ tshirts that Gary and Alastair are wearing in the picture!

We are excited to announce that the fundraising total so far is over £7,000, thanks to family, friends, Barclays, Brighton FC fan club and some generous service users at the Justlife centre.

The sunshine came out for Alastair and Gary as the ran, jogged and limped through the streets of Brighton. Alex and Dan were faced with icy temperatures, driving wind and persistent rain pelting the runners. But we all made it to the finish line.

Unfortunately due to injuries Lloyd Kinsley and Matt Lloyd were unable to run the London and Manchester marathons due to injuries, but we are hoping that they will be able to run in 2013.

If you would like to sponsor any of the hard working runners and up our total, here are the links:

Gary

Alastair

Dan

Alex

(Pic: Gary and Alastair celebrating completing the Brighton Marathon)

Whilst at the centre, the team carried out interviews, ate lunch with the service users, walked round the local area and enjoyed a football game with staff volunteers and service users.

The film is now available to view on youtube. Click here to watch the 5min film.

(Pic: Justlife Director, Gary Bishop, with two members of the Big Lottery Fund Communications Team)

The lunches are a great way to meet new people in a non-threatening environment, draw in people on the margins and introduce our wider services in a friendly way.

As well as a busy lunch, Hannah had a full clinic this morning and Work Club happened in the afternoon with some job hunting service users.

FREE lunches are available on Mondays and Fridays at 12pm at the Justlife centre.