A man who lived on the streets for 20 years has praised a new scheme in Welling offering homeless people work and a roof over their heads.

Tony Heather, 53, described waking to someone urinating on him while he slept rough after the breakdown of a relationship caused him turn to drug and alcohol abuse.

The former railway engineer said: "I was sleeping on the streets.

"I had the chance to go to hostels but when you're drinking and taking drugs you don't feel the need.

"After twenty years my body started to tell me it had had enough."

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 Fae Harmer - shop Manager and Malcolm Applegate companion outside Emmaus, Welling

Mr Heather visited a doctor in central London who specialises in helping the homeless, and was referred to homelessness charity Emmaus Greenwich.

The charity has opened a second hand furniture and electrical store in Bellegrove Road, employing 33 formerly homeless people as companions.

Those working at the store exchange their toil for a stable home within the scheme's housing community in Plumstead.

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Companion, Yvette Ishatse, entertains shoppers

Mr Heather, who works as a delivery and pick-up driver, said: "For me, Emmaus Greenwich is like one big happy family.

"It has turned my life around.

"Every day I get up for an important cause which has helped me to develop my confidence and my skills.

"I finally feel like I have a purpose in life."

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The shop in Welling

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Emmaus Greenwich is one of 25 communities in the UK, working to support companions by providing them with a stable home and work and has shops in Plumstead, Lewisham and Welling.

Fae Harmer, Shop Manager of Emmaus Greenwich’s Welling shop, said: "Our shops provide the funds we need to run our community and support formerly homeless people.

"Many of the companions I have worked with in this shop have thrived upon working within the local community, learning new skills and being a part of something which makes a difference to their lives as well as the local area."

To find out more, donate an item or get involved with Emmaus Greenwich, visit emmaus.org.uk/greenwich or call 020 8854 3426.