WHEN depression curtailed his army career, Richard found himself sleeping on the streets.

With no family to turn to - he lost his parents when he was young - Richard's turning point came when he approached Bradford Cyrenians for support.

Established in the 1970s, the organisation developed from a soup run. Its aim, to address the few and limited services for homeless people, especially homeless men, led to the creation of an emergency hostel in Manningham where it also runs the Re-start project.

Launched in February 2009, the Re-start project aims to empower men who are homeless after falling on hard times through varied circumstances such as financial difficulties, relationship breakdown and addiction, and equip them with the skills and the confidence to turn their lives around.

It provides a place they can call home in the interim while they receive the support they need and Richard (not his real name) is one of many men who, over the years, has benefited from this important service.

Richard was offered a tenancy with the Cyrenians' Re-start project and, gradually, with help and support from his keyworker, he was able to re-build his life, gaining employment and, eventually, moving into his own accommodation.

Initially quiet and withdrawn, Richard found that through the help and support he received he was able to develop his confidence and tackle the issues affecting his life. Bereavement counselling enabled him to come to terms with his loss.

As his confidence developed, Richard was able to attend events internally and externally promoting Bradford Cyrenians. He began applying for jobs and is now settled in his own accommodation, but he has never forgotten how the service helped him and keeps in regular contact.

Lee had been sleeping in his car for two months after falling on hard times. Unaware of his entitlement to benefits, he went to Housing options who sign-posted him to the Cyrenians.

With support through the Re-Start project Lee was able to find employment and accommodation and has now moved on - thanks to the service.

Ean Monk, head of service, explains that Re-start was initially set up as a pilot scheme and since its inception has been supported by Bradford Council.

The project offers 10 unit accommodation, owned by Yorkshire Housing Association and Accent Housing Association, and is based in Manningham close to the Cyrenians' direct access hostel.

"There was a big problem with homelessness, it was national but in Bradford there was a big problem of men sleeping rough on the streets," says Ean.

He says rising housing costs, low pay and benefit changes have contributed to the issue, although some seeking help through the service had mental health issues, learning disabilities or drug and alcohol problems.

Since it's launch, the Re-start project has accommodated more than 80 men, some who have been long-term rough sleepers.

"They get accommodation, a roof over their heads and they get a high level of support from our staff," says Ean.

The support service users receive ranges from addressing health issues and registering with a GP, ensuring they attend probation appointments and empowering them to pursue studies through college and, ultimately seek employment to get their lives back on track.

Yet, despite the initiatives and partnership work between agencies, rough sleeping is increasing throughout the country.

According to Ean, a report published recently by Homeless Link featured a snapshot survey which found there were 2,744 people sleeping rough on one night in November - an increase in 14 per cent on the previous year.

"But we have bucked the trend because our rough sleepers reduced from 12 in 2013 to 10 in 2014, that is in any one night you could expect 10 people to be sleeping rough," explains Ean.

He says the reason why the figure has reduced year on year is due to the agencies, and Bradford Council, who continue to support rough sleeping men.

Ean says if it wasn't for initiatives such as the Re-start project there would be more men sleeping on the city's streets.

Cheryl Gledhill-Kucuk sees first-hand the benefits the project brings to service users through her role as a supported housing officer.

She says some have been so low they've resorted to self-harming as they feel there is no other way out.

For Cheryl and the team, seeing those men who had lost all hope and thought they wouldn't make anything of their lives finally achieving their goals is a satisfying element of their work.

"They think they will not gain anything when they leave us and they have got jobs and done training and got a home. It is a big achievement," explains Cheryl.

"It's about empowering them and letting them know they can change their lives."