'Art has saved my life'

Ex-alcoholic now helps others beat addictions

- Joseph Richards

A FORMER homeless man whose life was blighted by alcoholism and despresion says he was saved by the healing power of art.

Adam Suleman, who is originally from Stoke-on-Trent, spiralled into alcoholism in his 20s, but has now been alcohol-free for a year, while regular art classes have given him a new and welcome focus.

The 33-year-old is a resident with Derventio Housing Trust, which provides accommodation to about 1,200 people in the UK who would otherwise be homeless. It houses some 150 people in Staffordshire.

Adam said discovering how to express himself through art has helped him win the fight against alcohol and depression.

His compelling pieces - created using an iPad to which he has access in his art classes - explore themes of depression through striking symbolic imagery illustrating feelings of sorrow, desperation and hurt.

"I used to really struggle in groups to talk about my feelings and that stuff," added Adam, who now lives in Burton and attends classes provided through the Burton Addiction Centre.