Former homeless couple who battled addictions urge businesses to back charity employment scheme

A couple who were left homeless as they struggled with addictions to drugs and alcohol have told how a charity helped them to turn their lives around.
Chris Sylvester and Emma Brier. Picture: The Howarth FoundationChris Sylvester and Emma Brier. Picture: The Howarth Foundation
Chris Sylvester and Emma Brier. Picture: The Howarth Foundation

Emma Brier and Chris Sylvester from Leeds are now urging businesses to follow in the footsteps of their employers and take on people recovering from substance abuse.

The couple spent time sofa surfing and staying in a raft of emergency accommodation and detox centres across Leeds after an increasing dependency on drugs and alcohol left them unable to hold down a job and without a permanent home.

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They both completed detox and rehabilitation programmes, and Ms Brier was helped to find work by The Howarth Foundation’s ‘Business Building Futures – Street to Feet’ programme.

Ms Brier, 40, said: “For most people in recovery from addiction and homelessness, getting a job is the final piece of the puzzle. It helps you to get your sense of worth back and gives you the focus and routine you need to stop you from going back to those dark places.

“The job I have now is meaningful and gives me great job satisfaction which has really helped my physical and mental health and my recovery.”

She now works as procurement administrator at Killingbeck-based Howard Civil Engineering, a £25m turnover civil engineering business with more than 200 staff, after she was introduced to the company through The Howarth Foundation.

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The charity’s Business Building Futures programme helps match people that have lived chaotic lifestyles and experienced homelessness and addiction with training opportunities and jobs to help them get back on their feet.

Emma Brier at work. Picture: The Howarth FoundationEmma Brier at work. Picture: The Howarth Foundation
Emma Brier at work. Picture: The Howarth Foundation

Michael Howard, managing director at Howard Civil Engineering, said: “We are firm believers in giving people second chances and judging others based on your own personal experiences with them. We don't believe the stereotype that everyone with a chaotic background will be a bad employee. Instead, we have always endeavored to create a company culture that is accepting of people from all walks of life.

“We certainly intend to provide further opportunities to clients of The Howarth Foundation who possess the relevant skills and ambition to work in the construction industry, whether that be on-site or in our offices.

“The scheme has worked well for Howard Civil Engineering as it supports our recruitment needs whilst providing people from chaotic backgrounds with a sense of stability and a platform to kick start their careers in construction.”

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Ms Brier’s partner, Chris Sylvester, 38, began using heroin at the age of 12 and was registered with an addiction unit by the time he was a teenager. He spent time in prison and then living on the streets of Leeds after his release.

He now works as a client coordinator at The Howarth Foundation, helping others that have overcome homelessness and addiction to get back in to work.

Mr Sylvester said: “The only education I had when I left school was how to take drugs, but now I’m back in work and helping other people to overcome their own problems and fears, which has given me back a real sense of purpose.”

Dominic Bourke, 29, has also secured a job at Howard Civil Engineering after being referred to The Howarth Foundation following the completion of a three-month detox programme.

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Mr Bourke, who works as site operative, had previously spent time moving around the UK before coming to Leeds to seek help for his alcohol dependency.

Andy Howarth, chief executive at The Howarth Foundation, explained: “After getting to know Dominic, we realised he had an interest in civil engineering, so teaming him up with Howard Civil Engineering was the perfect match. We assisted him to gain his CSCS card and purchased work clothing for him to be site ready.”

Mr Howard added: “Dominic and Emma have made a hugely positive impact since joining the company. Not only is their work ethic admirable, but they have also proven their ability to integrate seamlessly into their respective teams and adopt our company culture and values.”

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