A DARLINGTON man who made persistent calls to the authorities in a desperate cry for help has turned his life around with the help of a groundbreaking scheme.

Aaron Jack credits the Community Peer Mentor initiative with saving his life after issues with a neighbour left him feeling suicidal.

Mr Jack, 22, became isolated and vulnerable following the dispute.

He went on to make at least 60 calls to the police and many more to his GP in a short space of time.

In a bid to resolve his issues and to address the resulting impact on their resources, police referred Mr Jack to the Community Peer Mentor scheme.

The initiative sees vulnerable people and those with a variety of issues partnered with a mentor who offers one-to-one support.

Mr Jack said: “I had someone harassing me, throwing things at me, verbal abuse and I was scared to go out of my own home.

“I called the police but felt that they didn’t care because they always sent different officers who weren’t aware of what was going on.

“I thought nobody cared, I was frustrated, isolated and intimidated.

“After joining the scheme, they helped me to move and helped me to find support for my medical conditions and put me in touch with charities that can help me.

“If they hadn’t helped me, I wouldn’t be here today.

“The team has saved my life.”

The scheme is expanding into Bishop Auckland, where volunteers are currently being recruited.

Barbara Dixon-Dawson volunteers in the Darlington area and has urged more people to join the scheme.

She said: “Volunteering has made my life busier but more complete.

“I’ve met a different set of people and it’s another stitch in the tapestry of life.

“A lot of people don’t recognise what skills they have, but I’d like to encourage people to realise what they have to offer.

“A shopworker, for example, has people skills and problem solving abilities.”

A free training course in Bishop Auckland will begin on Wednesday, September 28 with no previous experience required.

For more information or to apply for a space, email jim.cunningham@restorativehub.org.uk or alternatively, call 03000 003 1818 to find out more.