THE fact that Charles Wilson can sit among six people and talk about his experiences of drug addiction and homelessness speaks volumes about the journey he has travelled in the past six months.

Before then the Dumbarton man struggled with anxiety and depression and the very thought of speaking in front of others was impossible.

Over the past few months Charles’ life has been transformed.

“I did have a flat but I ended up homeless and had trouble coping myself. I wasn’t working, I’ve been on the sick for about eight or nine years,” explains the 33-year-old.

“I used to sleep all day and go out at night. Other people might feel more anxious at night but I felt there were less people about then.

“I broke up with my girlfriend and was in a homeless flat for a few days, then I came here.”

We are sitting in the lounge of a unique homeless project that has supported more than 100 people across West Dunbartonshire since it opened nearly two years ago.

Based at Ashton View in Dumbarton, it was developed in consultation with the local community and provides shared accommodation and 24-hour support to people who don’t have a home.

What makes it different from other homeless units is the support offered.

“I knew about this place but I didn’t want to come. I have mental health problems, anxiety and depression. I didn’t think I’d manage to cope. I’ve never done any sort of group work before and I didn’t want to speak in front of people,” adds Charles.

“I’ve taken a lot from it, I feel good. I’m more active now, I can go shopping myself. Before I came here I had a dog and looking after it helped calm my anxiety down. Now I’ve learned to cope myself.”

Charles spent 12 weeks at Ashton View, following a programme that reshaped his life, building structure into his day, facing problems and dealing with them.

Now he lives in supported accommodation and will eventually have his own flat. In the meantime, whenever he needs it, the help of staff is always available.

He explains that he didn’t think he would get over his addictions so quickly, it was all thanks to the support of staff.

“I have done motivation work in the group on self-esteem and addictions, it’s a recovery programme teaching coping strategies to stop you relapsing,” he says.

“I’d like to go back into full-time employment. I used to work as a chef. This has given me the structure to consider making these important changes in my life.”

Andrew Curley now sees a bright future ahead, something he could never have dreamed of six months ago.

The 26-year-old hit rock bottom when he arrived at Ashton View, now the young man, who grew up in Bonhill, has plans for a career in the Navy.

“I was put out of my house due to a number of issues,” he says. “I had my sleeping bag with me and was ready to sleep on the streets. The way I was at the time I just didn’t care.

“I was a nervous wreck at first, I didn’t trust anyone. I had a lot of problems. I realised by coming here that I was institutionalised, I didn’t have any living skills. My key worker has helped me build my confidence. It has helped me a lot.”

Like Charles, Andrew has now moved on to supported accommodation.

“Things are looking up, I feel more confident now and I have plans for the future. The help I got cleared my mind and de-stressed me.”

House rules at Ashton View call on tenants to address the issues which contributed to their homelessness, from drug addiction to alcohol misuse.

Key workers assigned to each tenant work out a care plan specific to their needs and together they hold regular reviews to make sure they are on the right track.

It is this atmosphere of continued care that has contributed to the success of the project, according to co-team leader Gary Whyte.

“We’re trying to recognise the underlying issues why people become homeless and tailor individual care plans to address whatever issues led them here in the first place,” he says.

“It’s a positive, caring atmosphere, a safe place for people to come and look at their issues. Everyone knows the rules before they come in here.

“We do stuff at night as well, like Come Dine With Me nights, when people have a chance to get together. It’s credit to the staff who have created this. People enjoy it, they still visit when they leave.”

Ina testament to the successful working relationship between staff and tenants, the unit was awarded good or very good grades in a Care Commission inspection.

Now it plans to expand, taking over flats in the building next door.