A WOMAN who used to be homeless has turned her life around after receiving backing from a campaign.

Alison, 24, from Leigh, found herself without a home when her relationship broke down and she moved into supported accommodation run by charitable housing association Riverside.

During her time there she regained control of her life and acquired new skills to find employment.

But like many homeless people, she struggled to save up money for a rent deposit- managing to get to half the amount of funds needed.

Real Change Wigan and Leigh stepped in to help Alison provide funds for the rest of her deposit.

She is now in a safe, affordable home of her own with a trustworthy landlord and is looking forward to her future.

Alison said: “Without Real Change, I may have ended up in accommodation that I am unable to afford and caused a decline in my mental wellbeing, which would have put me at risk of becoming homeless again."

Since being launched in October, the Real Change campaign has ended homelessness for Alison and 10 other people.

Campaign chairwoman for Real Change Wigan and Leigh Jenny Morris said: “We aim to bridge the gap and restore hope by providing practical items for people in our area.

“For Alison, this meant providing that little bit extra so she can move into a home of her own, enabling her to get her life back on track."

The organisation is asking residents to "use small change to make a Real Change" for people who are homeless.

All donations go into a pot so bigger items can be bought to make a large impact with Real Change working alongside partner charities like The Brick or Jigsaw Housing on the campaign.

As well as housing deposits, Real Change has paid for items like new identification so individuals can access benefits, support and accommodation as well as travel tickets so people can get to training courses and back into work.

For more information about the campaign and how to donate funds to help others escape the trap of homelessness visit realchangewiganandleigh.co.uk.