'I've been homeless, now I want to help others'

A man who has experienced homelessness and spent time in prison has said he wants to "help people and make the world a better place" after turning his life around.

Aaron Heaney, from South Shore in Blackpool, said he struggled with addiction issues and had convictions for violence and burglary.

But the 32-year-old said he turned a corner after his mum became seriously ill and homeless and he resolved to try and break the cycle to help her.

Now settled in a rented flat with his partner, Aaron said he wanted to help the most vulnerable people in the town who are struggling with issues such as drug addiction, homelessness and domestic violence.

He has set up a non-profit community interest company, Aztec Enterprises CIC, and plans to establish a website which will help to link other groups and charitable organisations together, to further their work.

He said he wanted to "link up all the 'do good' organisations together, reputable people, who do good work, help people and make the world a better place".

Aaron said he was, for many years, caught up in a cycle of prison, struggling to cope after release and then returning to prison again.

A digital creator with 35,000 followers on Facebook, where he posts every day, he said: "I have been at rock bottom over the years, as low as it can get.

"When I was homeless I'd break into empty properties just to stay warm and end up being arrested and sent back to prison.

"I was addicted to a prescription drug which treats anxiety.

"I had no opportunities to break the cycle because no-one wanted to give me a job.

"Now things are looking up and I have a permanent place to live."

He has been supporting himself by making burgers and told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Some people ask me what do I know about drug addiction, homelessness or domestic violence,

"Well, I've been there, I saw domestic violence when I was growing up, I've been homeless.

"I've been open and honest about who I am and what I'm trying to do.

"With the CIC and the website, I aim to make a real difference, if I can, and work with good people who are already doing brilliant work."

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