A former addict who ended up on the streets is hopeful to study a mental health degree after a moment of clarity pushed him to get clean.

Carl Ablott, from Burnley, was battling addiction and living on the streets with there seeming to be little in the way of a future.

Following a moment of clarity, he decided to get himself clean once and for all.

Fast forward 12 years into the future, Carl has embarked on a journey that most recently saw him presented with a ‘Health and Social Care Star’ award at the 2022 Lancashire Adult Learning awards.

On his remarkable journey, Carl said: “Learning doesn’t come easy to me. I left school with no qualifications and was only diagnosed with dyslexia later in life.

“Rather than losing myself to resentment though, all I want to do now is help other people who have also taken wrong turns in life, whatever the reasons. I particularly want to help other addicts see they can break the cycle of addiction.

“Not in a million years did I think this where I’d be now, much less that I’d be winning awards for my learning. I want others to see there is a way back.”

Carl’s turnaround began with volunteering at various recovery support organisations locally, including the Thomas Project in Blackburn and Inspire in Accrington and Burnley.

After four years of exceptional work with Inspire, he was promoted to a national volunteer role and invited to sit on committees within the organisation.

Keen to provide for his 11-year-old son, Carl’s attention turned toward paid employment within mental health services.

Not only did Carl achieve that goal, working part-time as he now does for Red Rose Recovery, something within him has been awakened.

Having completed a Level 1 and Level 2 Mental Health course, at Accrington and Rossendale College, Carl is busily studying for his English and Maths Level 2 before he goes on to pursue a Level 3 in Mental Health.

His goal then is to study for a mental health degree at Accrington and Rossendale College.