MOTHERS facing eviction have credited no-nonsense rules imposed by a housing project for turning their lives around.

Before Lisa Hunt moved into a flat for families in crisis, she was at risk of having her three children taken into care.

A year later, she is debt-free and her son is no longer on the police radar or skipping school.

The Family Intervention Project (FIP), run by Tees Valley Housing across Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland, offers intensive help to any parents causing serious antisocial behaviour or threatened with having their tenancies terminated.

During the months Miss Hunt, 32, lived in one of three self-contained flats with 24hour support, she abided by strict rules and took part in parenting classes, cooking lessons and sessions on how to budget.

"If I hadn't changed and my partner had not left, I would have had my children taken off me," she said. "I always pay my bills on time now and my children stick to their bedtime routines.

"Setting boundaries was hard, but it was in my best interests. Coming here was the best step I have ever taken."

Both Miss Hunt and Emma Prothero still regularly visit the project workers for a cup of tea and a chat or to seek advice.

Miss Prothero, 25, moved into a flat after her former partner kicked her while pregnant with her third child.

She said: "It was hard adapting to the rules at first, like the curfew, but it's the rules that help it work and I have so much more confidence now. I'm happy."

The FIPs also provide outreach support of up to 25 hours a week to families living in their own homes within the community who are at particular risk of eviction because of their serious antisocial behaviour.

Lynsey Jones, supported housing manager at Tees Valley Housing, said: "The scheme has massive benefits, school attendance goes up and crime rates go down.

"We have been able to keep families together when they have been on the verge of being taken into care."

Andy Robertson, supported housing co-ordinator at Tees Valley Housing, added: "It's about generational change.

We want the parents to pass what they have learned down to their children and become valued members of the community."

For more details, call Tees Valley Housing on 01642-717080.