According to the 2009 NHS Profile for Rochdale, over 40% of the population of the town falls within the category of 'most deprived'. Almost 70% of Rochdale residents are categorised as more deprived than the average for England. At Bridges, we reach out to some of the most deprived and vulnerable adults in the town.

Rochdale has serious problems with drug and alcohol abuse compared to England averages. In fact, according to the 2009 NHS Profile, rates of binge drinking, mental illness, drug abuse and homelessness are significantly worse than national averages.

Many of those we work with at Bridges are officially classed as homeless - there are 750 homeless people in the borough, making Rochdale 27th worst out of 354 local authorities. However, this figure may not include hundreds who are classed as 'hidden homeless' because, despite having no permanent residence, they do not meet the criteria for statutory homelessness.

Homelessness is not just about sleeping on the streets. Anyone who has no permanent home and no security of tenure can be classed as homeless. This includes people staying in hostels, bed and breakfast accommodation, sleeping on a friend's sofa, staying temporarily with family members of squatting.

However, in order to be officially classed as homeless, a person must meet the legal definition of involuntary homelessness and be registered as such by the local authority. Even then, around one third of those legally classified as homeless are not offered accommodation.

Many of our clients are Bridges are suspicious of official services and reluctant to approach them for help. As we develop trust-based relationships, we are able to give practical and emotional support that truly helps people break free from a vicious cycle of homelessness and addiction. Read on to see how one man's life has been transformed.

When Mick Kelly made a return visit to Bridges recently, it was as a transformed person. Gone was the drug habit that had dominated his life for 12 years. Instead, there stood a confident man, thanking God for his new life, his happy marriage and his freedom from addiction. Like many others, Mick first got into drugs during a spell in prison. Over time his habit escalated until, in his own words, 'it was drugs first and food last'. Hanging around in Broadfield Park one day, Mick came across some people handing out hot tea and sandwiches. He took the food, had a chat and left.

A couple of months later, he was invited along to Bridges one Monday night for a meal. There, he met the same people he had come across in the park. This time, he stuck around, returning regularly for a hot meal and friendly conversation. He heard about God and the good news of the Gospel, and began to find new hope in his heart.

Mick's real low point came when he suffered a broken ankle and found himself lying in hospital, alone, crying out for God to help him. From then on, things started to turn around. He came off the drugs, finding support through friends and family, and started looking to God for his new life.

In October 2009, Mick stood in front of his old friends - people who knew his past - and gave testimony to his transformed life. In the three years since his last visit, he'd been completely free of drugs, married his soul mate and even passed his driving test!

As those listening to his testimony said, Mick's story is 'an inspiration for everyone'.