Lawrence gets a lot out of attending Back on Track; learning, making new friends and helping others. It also helps him to keep being creative, which is something he’s passionate about, and to avoid the temptation of drugs.
“I was homeless, and struggling with drug problems and poor mental health when I found out about Back on Track and ICM (the Inspiring Change Manchester project). It was ICM that helped me into accommodation, which is fine, but I wish I was closer to town. I travel into town every day to do gardening at the Booth Centre in the mornings and courses at Back on Track in the afternoons. My days are filled, so I’m not tempted to smoke spice all day.
I’ve learnt loads while I’ve been here; on the Allotment and City of Trees projects, and the city tours – I could do my own tour I know that much! I’m doing 3D art and Creative Writing now, which is a great thing for me cos I spend most of my evenings writing, it just comes pouring out and takes some editing. Sometimes I dont even know what it means, but I love it. I won the Back on Track poetry competition too – Longfella picked mine as the winner and called me a top poet. It’s nice to get encouragement. That’s why I love coming here. The staff are fantastic and the people are so lovely. Some of them are so timid. I help them to come out of their shells. It’s nice to help others too.”
