A Middlesbrough man who turned his life around after years of homelessness, addiction and imprisonment has been recognised with a prestigious community award. 'Jacko', who works as a housing manager for the homelessness charity Depaul UK, received a Spotlight Award from Healthwatch Middlesbrough .

The award celebrates Jacko's remarkable journey from sleeping rough on Middlesbrough's streets to becoming a lifeline for others experiencing homelessness. His work spans the charity's supported housing flats and drop-in centre.

Jacko said: "My heart beats with homelessness. I've been in and out of prison all my life. I've struggled with drink and drug addiction and homelessness. I was in a proper deep well for years and I couldn't get out."

Jacko's transformation began at Narcotics Anonymou

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