A dad on a downward spiral and lived in a shed as he battled addiction and homelessness says he has got "back on his feet" after moving into a brand-new flat. Mark Henry, who has a long history with abusing alcohol, said he spent time in prison and on the streets before discovering that 'there is more to life'.
The 56-year-old moved into one-bed flat in St Ann's in April. He is one of the 16 people supported by Framework who have moved into the new purpose-built accommodation for single homeless people with complex needs. This is the result of a development project worth just over £2 million.
Speaking from the living room of his brand-new flat, Mr Henry said that he has "got his dignity back" and is hoping to turn around his life. The man, who was born and bred in Nottingham, said his friends are now envious of him and the new place that he calls home.
READ MORE: The faces and stories of Nottinghamshire's homeless who got their lives back
Before getting his own flat, Mr Henry lived in shared accommodation on London Road for almost a year. He was then moved to a similar set-up on Forest Road.
"But before that, I lived in a shared house and it just was not good for me. I ended up on the streets and lived in a shed for a week," he said.
Mr Henry was a rough sleeper in 2020, spending most of his time on Bentinck Road in Hyson Green. "I am going to say something that might sound very strange", he added. "I almost accepted it. I was free.
"I was not overwhelmed by everyday problems. I found so much peace in knowing that I do not have to worry about anything and that nothing matters."
The only thing that he was worrying about was to survive. But, at one point, Mr Henry had to ask himself if there is more to life than just surviving.
"I did not care what the other people thought about me either. I was drinking so much that I did not care", he added.
He said that he started seriously drinking alcohol when he was 16, but he remembers episodes from earlier in his teenage years when he was sneaking Jack Daniels from his family home when no one saw him. This habit haunted him later on in his adulthood, making him do things that he now regrets.
"I remember I got so drunk once, I was hallucinating. I was also taking other substances at the time as well. I had between £5-£10 to last me until the end of the week and I said I may as well just get wrecked," he recalled.
He was so intoxicated, he says, that he got involved in an assault and ended up in custody. He stayed in prison between 2009 and 2011.
"I thought there will be nothing for me when I would get out. I had a support worker who said that there is help for us after we leave prison," he added.
It was in that moment when Mr Henry realised that 'there is more to life'. Following what he describes as a violent childhood, he was adopted when he was 5-years-old. He has a teenage son and hopes that he can help rebuild their relationship as his situation improves.
He added: "I just learned that it is about learning how to respect yourself. I still drink now, but I do one or two cans a day. A few months ago, I was drinking Jack Daniels from the bottle.
"I have never thought that I would start cooking for myself, chopping a potato and all of that. It is about regaining that dignity and respect for yourself."
Mr Henry was sat on the sofa, with rays of sunshine coming through the windows into his bright, brand-new living room. He added: "I had friends coming over and they are so envious. They would like to live in one of these flat because they are so nice. This place was like a stepping stone.
"I just feel independent and I feel like I am getting back on my feet. I go for walks in Arboretum, and I think to myself 'I do not need that can now, it can wait'. And I distract myself, find the things that it is worth living for."
Louise Keetley, Service Manager at the accommodation said the flats give the residents "more independence". She added: "Some feel that this suits them more because they can have their time alone, but also show their place to their friends as well."
The official opening day for the Mechanics House on Alfred Street North will be on Friday (May 13). Speaking about this major housing development for local homeless people, Framework’s Chief Executive Andrew Redfern said: “The creation of Mechanics House reaffirms Framework's ongoing commitment to providing good quality homes and living environments for homeless people.
“The difference in outcomes for those living in a new flat with their own front door, compared to a dingy room in an old hostel, is stark. There are benefits not only for the individual but also the public purse: investment in good quality supported housing gives service users a much better chance to re-establish their independence quickly, thus leading to a long-term reduction in the cost of services to support them.
“The opening of Mechanics House is a significant landmark in our programme to replace shared accommodation in unsuitable buildings with new self-contained flats thus increasing both the range and the quality of supported housing options available to those in need.
Cllr Linda Woodings, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing & Heritage, said: "Framework provides a range of important services supporting some of the most vulnerable people in Nottingham. This new, high-quality facility will be vital in tackling homelessness and will help provide better outcomes for people with complex needs. The ongoing partnership work between the Council and Framework is having a real and positive impact on people’s lives and this new development will help to continue this."
