Crisis Changing Lives Award Videos

Homelessness charity reveals inspiring real-life stories of courage

The outstanding achievements of a group of homeless, or formerly homeless people, from across the country who have overcome their problems to make a difference to their lives, have been honoured in the finals of the national Crisis/Barclays Changing Lives Champion Awards held on 3rd September at the Tower of London.

Winners Included:

The New Talent Award Winner & Overall Barclays Achiever:
Brian Chamberlin. Age 35 (Bournemouth, Dorset)


Brian's Story: Brian suffered from weight problems from a young age and developed a dependency on alcohol and diet pills as a coping mechanism but with the help of Changing Lives he has now set up a flourishing, health conscious, wheatgrass enterprise.

The Education Award Winner:
Rachael Evans. Age 45 (Swansea, Wales)


Rachael's Story: Rachael had to flee the family home with her five children after suffering domestic abuse and ended up homeless. After losing all her worldly possessions, she is now gradually rebuilding her life and is successfully working towards a career as an educational social worker.

The Business Award Winner:
Janene Gray. Age 31 (Stockwood, Bristol)


Janene's Story: Janene's life spiralled out of control after becoming addicted to drink and drugs while living on the streets and suffering appalling injuries in a serious road accident. After turning her life around with the help of Changing Lives she is now running her own film production company and helping other youngsters find a voice.

The Moving - on Award Winner:
John Brough. Age 50 (Norwich)


John's Story: John was an Oxford graduate and successful business manager before he developed a severe alcohol addiction and ended up sleeping rough on the streets and selling the big issue. Having now turned his life around John wants to help others and is hoping to teach literacy in the prison system.

The Long Term Achiever Winner:
James Mudie. Age 52 (Camberwell, London)


Jimmy's Story: Despite being a devoted grandfather Jimmy fought to overcome a serious alcohol addiction for many years which rendered him homeless. After quitting the drink he is now studying to become an Anthropologist and is doing a masters in Human Rights while also helping youngsters get back into education.

The Changing Lives programme

The Changing Lives programme was set up by Crisis to give individuals a chance to achieve their vocational goals and realise their career and life ambitions. Incredible stories range from a former Oxford graduate turned alcoholic who is now teaching adult literacy in the prison system to a young woman who experienced drug addiction and life on the streets who is now running a successful film production company, helping other disadvantaged youngsters find a voice.

The awards were presented by The Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Social Exclusion with the ITN Chief Political Correspondent Daisy McAndrew acting as official compere for the day. Leslie Morphy (Crisis Chief Executive) and Gary Hoffman (Barclays Vice Chairman) were also in attendance.

Ed Miliband, Cabinet Minister for Social Exclusion, said: "Through these valuable awards Crisis brings welcome recognition to the remarkable achievements of individuals who have shown incredible strength of character and motivation in the face of adversity. I felt privileged to be in their company and applaud the inspiration they offer others in similar circumstances."

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