LIKE many places around the UK, the last few years has seen a notable increase in the number of people living on the streets of Northwich.

Some of these people have fallen on hard times, some are the victims of brutal benefits cuts and others have simply had bad luck.

Most have made bad choices, but the common denominator for many homeless people is addiction.

That’s according to Gary Fallows, a recovering alcoholic who recently joined the Foundation Enterprises North West (FENW) outreach team, a charity that has been supporting the homeless in Northwich.

“Some of them have just become accustomed to the streets,” Gary said. “They don’t know anything other than the streets. This prevents us from helping them.

“Some of them will be under the influence of spice, alcohol, heroin, all sorts.

“I am a recovering alcoholic, that’s mainly why I am doing this. I wanted to give back.

“I was a success, but it can all go in the blink of an eye.”

Northwich Guardian:

Gary in the outreach van

Guardian reporter Kenny Lomas joined Gary and Shane Lennon from the outreach team for an evening in Northwich.

The outreach team currently has six members, and every night of the week they are out in Chester, where they are based, and Northwich looking for people to help.

Working out of the outreach van, the team provides tea and coffee, food, a shower, a place to sleep for a few hours or simply just someone to talk to.

They provide hot meals and also receive daily donations from the sandwich chain Pret A Manger in Chester as well as from Starbucks and Tesco.

“There are some great people out there, but a lot of people are judgemental too,” Shane said.

Northwich Guardian:

Traces of the homeless can be found in numerous spots around Northwich

Shane estimates that there are around seven homeless people in Northwich, although there are many more beggars.

“They look at it like a nine to five job,” he said. “In their mind they’re going to work, it’s just a job to them. They have to do that to get by.”

Shane said many of the people he comes across have or have previously had mental health issues, many of whom have been failed by mental health services.

The 51-year-old has also had to battle his own demons.

Shane is a recovering alcoholic and admits to once being hooked on steroids, alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, LSD and more.

“I used to do every drug I could get my hand on,” Shane said.

“Drinking was another thing. I used to take drugs so I could drink more. I was the most selfish person you could wish to meet.”

He eventually managed to fight his demons and win back the trust of his children, who are now adults. He has been clean for 17 years.

Northwich Guardian:

Guardian reporter Kenny Lomas and Shane 

Shane has been part of the outreach team since last November and said the team are often met with scepticism, and at times aggressive and abusive behaviour, but said over time they learn to trust them.

“We have felt the pain and we have felt the misery these people feel now,” Shane said.

“I like to tell people my story and it gives them hope. If I can do it, why can’t they?

“You can be a lift to someone who is desperate for one. It gives them something to aspire to.”

Gary, from Ellesmere Port, has been clean for two-and-a-half years after his alcoholism saw him lose everything, and nearly cost him his life.

Gary said: “My story is deep, hard and unpleasant. I had my own house, a wife, a business, I lost it all through alcohol.

“I was months away from being dead. My doctor gave me five or six months to live. I was bleeding from my ears, my eyeballs. I was hollow.

“When the doctor told me how ill I was, I still went home with a bottle of scotch. You think you’re invincible.”

Northwich Guardian:

The sandwiches are donated and handed out daily

After a spell on the streets, Gary eventually had a moment of clarity one morning after a drinking session. He sought help and joined the Alcoholics Anonymous programme, which he still attends.

Gary has only been part of the outreach team for one week, after leaving his role with Turning Point in Northwich.

Gary recently joined the outreach team after leaving his role with Turning Point in Northwich.
He now wants to inspire others into getting the help they need.

Gary said: “There are people out there who need support for some sort of addiction. They think they’re on their own.

"If they read this and then get help, then it’s all worth it.”

He added: “FENW are a fantastic organisation that do a lot of great work.

"All of the staff have experienced hard times so can show empathy towards the homeless.

“If anyone thinks there is a rough sleeper, call our 24-hour rough sleeper hotline on 0300 123 1562 and a member of the outreach team will investigate.”