A Basildon man who was sleeping on the streets after being released from prison is now living independently after turning his life around.

John, whose identity has not been revealed for privacy reasons, has been hailed as a “great example” by Basildon Council after getting on the straight and narrow just under two years since sleeping rough.

His time out of prison started at rock bottom after he was kicked out of the accommodation he was staying in by a family member in April 2020 when his sentence came to an end.

He was spotted by members of Basildon Council’s community outreach team whilst out on the streets who helped him apply for housing, make a benefits application and put him in touch with charity Open Road who helped him with his mental health, alcohol, and drug problems.

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After a full housing assessment the council were able to line John up with affordable and permanent accommodation with assistance from the council’s rent start scheme to help cover some of the costs.

John was soon moved into the new property with referrals made to housing association company Peabody who provide support to all former rough sleepers who move into new accommodation.     

After sorting his living situation John was then successful in applying for a new job and thrived so much that Peabody agreed to step down their support for him in January 2022.

He has now been offered a permanent contract by his employer and is enjoying his return to work and living independently.

Echo: Andrew Schrader praised John for his effort in turning his life around Andrew Schrader praised John for his effort in turning his life around

Paying testament to John’s efforts to tun his life around over the past two years councillor Andrew Schrader, head of the council’s housing and estate renewal committee, was quick to praise his efforts.    

He said: “John’s story really is a great example of the difference we can make to people who think that all hope is lost.

“To get John back on his feet again and into permanent accommodation and work takes a lot of good partnership working.

He added: “My congratulations to John and well done to all those involved in achieving this brilliant outcome that has undoubtedly changed a life for the better.”