A man who used to sleep on the streets has been awarded for his efforts in helping others turn their lives around.

Alex Stafford-Hill, 39, who lives in Highbury, was given the service user trophy at the Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust awards by conservationist and TV presenter Bill Oddie at a ceremony at St Pancras Hospital.

Mr Stafford-Hill sought help with his living situation and mental health issues and is now a mentor to other mental health service users at the Education and Employment Project at Hanley Road, Crouch Hill.

He said: “I had given up on a meaningful life after numerous self-harming incidents that inevitably led to a suicide attempt that almost killed me.

“Now, because of the Education and Employment Project, its staff and service users, I have the confidence to walk with my head up instead of hiding from the world by only looking at the pavement beneath my feet.”