'After all the taking, now I enjoy giving back'

A group of recovering addicts taking part in a litter pick as part of their rehabilitation say they are enjoying giving back to the community.

Reflections House Recovery, based in Castleford, helps men struggling with addiction, with volunteering forming a key part of its support programme.

The group, who have been removing waste from the Parklands estate in recent weeks, said the work had helped them reconnect with the community and had also garnered numerous messages of support.

Daniel, who has been volunteering for two months, said: "I wasn't expecting that many people to react the way they did."

The volunteers said the programme had helped them turn their lives around and giving something back was part of the journey.

Carlos, 40, who has been at Reflections for five months, said: "I like giving back to the community, because I have taken a lot in my time."

Describing the support from the residents, he beamed: "We've had people stop us when we're doing litter picks asking for photographs with us and telling us we're doing a good job.

"It helps us get something new out of life."

Another volunteer, Ben, said the routine had shifted how he connects with people.

"Before coming here, I was isolating a bit," he said.

"A lot of lads were, so I love being outdoors. Come summer, all the lads who didn't want to do litter picking, they'll be trying to jump on it."

Jude, 22, said making an environmental difference had given him a sense of purpose.

"We're all rebels that are trying to walk the straight and narrow.

"We've spent a very long time abusing the skills and smarts that we have, so to know that we can help all the little animals around here is spot on really.

Daniel, described how the recovery centre had "opened the door" for him when he had nowhere else to go.

"I owe them my life really.

"They've given me an opportunity to thrive and I'm taking it," he said.

After each session, the men make their way to the Blue Cup Café, where owner Jo serves up free coffees.

The drinks, and sometimes food, are paid for by residents who heard about the group's efforts and wanted to show their appreciation.

"They're very good lads and they do a lot for their community," Jo said.

"We get quite a few volunteering at the café too. They're all amazing and deserve to come out the other side."

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