Robbie’s story: from robbing banks to restoring furniture

Robbie’s story: from robbing banks to restoring furniture

A Manchester mission which started 20 years ago to help unemployed youngsters is now providing aid to hundreds struggling during hard times – including former bank robber Robbie.

The founder of Renewal North-West, Wesley Downs, still heads the work as chief executive officer, but is amazed at how many people – young and old – are still short of the essentials in life such as food and accommodation and how the charity has grown to provide invaluable assistance in so many areas of life.

One of the ministries is the provision of accommodation for ex-offenders and the homeless – people like Robbie, a heroin addict for 20 years who read the Bible in prison, came off drugs and became a Christian (see video).

Joining the residential programme provided by Renewal North-West, exhibitors at CRE 25, he later volunteered for service and manage the furniture showroom before getting married and moving away.

‘Robbie is a wonderful Christian, now with two children and it is great to see the change Jesus Christ made in his life,’ said Wesley, 59. ‘He was in prison for bank robbery among other things but before leaving us he was banking money from clients. How amazing is our God!’

The charity works with people who are long-term unemployed and helps them break down the barriers which prevent them working. Projects include:

• A second-hand shop providing low-cost, high-quality goods
• Community Appliances refurbishing white goods and sells them
• Renewal House Clearance with usable items sold in the charity shop
• Refresh Coffee House offering fresh, low-cost food and a space for the lonely

Accommodation is also provided for ex-prisoners and drug users referred to the charity by chaplains and prison ministries.

‘After completing our programme, 64 per cent of those involved never offend again,’ said Wesley. ‘The cost to arrest, convict and imprison someone for a year is roughly £65,000 – based on that figure our scheme has saved the public purse £3.6m.’

• You can find out about Renewal North-West on the Emmaus stand D8 at CRE 25

Photo: Former heroin addict Robbie

CRE 2025

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