A careers event has brought together those battling homelessness and addiction.
Both employees and attendees came together at Preston North End to showcase the Lived Experience Career event fair.
The event fair, which has doubled in size since last year, brought together organisations that support those in recovery from severe adversity.
The potential employees have first-hand experience with some of the services and motivation to make them more effective.
A lived experience employee at the North-West Probation Service said: ‘‘I’ve got a criminal conviction, so I know what people are going through when they’re in the criminal justice system.
“I use the story of my lived experience to help write the policies and procedures we use to support people.
“This is essential in delivering an effective service and makes me feel valued as an employee.’’
From overcoming addiction to navigating homelessness, the careers event was supported by Changing Futures Preston, which is funded by Preston City Council and Lancashire Skills Hub.
Kelly Hardman, support worker and lived experience employee at CGL/Inspire, said: ‘‘I was a heroin addict for 20 years, and my life was in chaos. Now, people see me and understand how their lives could change.
“I’ve achieved an A* in Health and Social Care. Beginning as a volunteer, I’ve worked my way up. Turning my past into a force for good makes me feel so proud.’’
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