Drugs project turning lives round

A FORMER heroin addict hooked since he was 15 has turned his life round with a new Oldham project. Rob Flynn has been heroin-free for 15-months- the longest period since he started, almost 25 years ago. The 40 year old believes the unique scheme, Release from Addiction, has played a crucial role.

A FORMER heroin addict hooked since he was 15 has turned his life round with a new Oldham project.

Rob Flynn has been heroin-free for 15-months- the longest period since he started, almost 25 years ago. The 40 year old believes the unique scheme, Release from Addiction, has played a crucial role.

Based in Brunswick House on Union Street, the organisation supports offenders as they rebuild their lives free from drugs.

The project involves a range of agencies led by the Cheshire and Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company, funded by the NHS. Rob is supervised by the company’s probation officer, Jenna Tett, after being jailed for 40 months for burglary.

Since he was a teenager he has been in court 27 times and spent years in prison or on probation.

Rob said: “I got clean in jail. I’d turned 40; I knew I needed to grow up and take responsibility. I’ve had periods inside when I’d be off drugs, but it always fell to pieces when I got released and met up with my old associates.

“I’m more determined this time. I’m human: I struggle; some days are harder than others. But Release from Addiction is definitely making it easier to make a new life.”

Release from Addiction is part of an the “Gateways” initiative, commissioned and supported by the National Offender Management Service and NHS England.

Twenty two offenders supervised by CGM CRC currently use the service. Six people attend groups run by Release from Addiction five days a week.