From homelessness and addiction to helping others - "people never gave up on us" - say Grimsby pair
David and Scott are using their stories to support people sleeping rough to get back on their feet
Two men in Grimsby have gone from rough sleeping and addiction to helping others get back on their feet.
This is the story of David Lawson and Scott McClanachan who are now practitioners at Swan House, the council-leased accommodation that provides intensive rough sleeper support services.
The pairs first-hand experiences allow them to bring the empathy needed to help people.
"When I was at school I had hopes and dreams, and in classes I didn't put my hand up and say, 'sir I want to become a drug addict and homeless,'" said David.
"But you just don't know where your life is going to go.
"I went round and round the services for many years and people didn't give up on me.
"They may have been cynical, but they were still there with a cup of tea and a smile."
"Sometimes when you don't believe in yourself it's just a little bit of praise, encouragement and even a 'it's nice to see you'," said David.
"If I went to a peer support group or even a soup kitchen or a food bank - for them words to come - when you're in a bad place, when someone says it's nice to see you and you're welcome here."
Scott agreed, saying, "praise and acceptance from other individuals in the community is worth its weight in gold."
"You've got to remember a lot of these guys, they don't ever get praised, they're shun by the general public and society as a whole."
Swan House is based in the West Marsh and provides a safe place whilst offering support.
This includes activities such as visiting the supermarket or contacting a GP, and more complex issues including mental health problems and working on finances.
Scott, David and the rest of the Swan House team work alongside other agencies to give their clients the right support.
"There's a lot of mistrust in the individuals we're dealing with and we're here, myself and David and the rest of the team to help break down those barriers," said Scott.
"Lift them up and walk alongside them and empower them."