Glaxo’s HIV division lands deal to treat millions in Africa – The Times

European bank to withdraw €500 ‘criminal’ banknote – The Times

Private school pupils expelled over cannabis discovery – The Times

Father supplied daughter with fatal Ecstasy – The Times

£5million of heroin in d-rugs smuggle – The Sun

Lag drug lord jailed – The Sun

Manchester’s Unsung Heroes: Mustard Tree manager leaves life of drugs to mentor homeless with art therapy – Mancunian Matters

As homelessness figures continue to soar, with an increase of almost 10% in Greater Manchester last year, it appeared to be one of the only growing businesses during the recession. 

But spending time on the streets, in shelters and behind bars has not deterred one man from devoting his life to helping those who suffer as he once did.

Just off Oldham Road lies a street full of secrets. On that street is a place where dignity, faith, grace, joy and truth are not just values that reflect off a painted canvas, but emanate, filling everyone inside with a glow of silent, selfless goodwill.

As you walk upstairs a giant, psychedelic portrait of Jimi Hendrix gazing at its admirer through knowing, hallucinogenic eyes.

This place is the Mustard Tree. It is a place that creates the sense of home for the homeless, downtrodden and displaced.

Caring 52-year-old Graham Hudson is Mustard Tree’s Creative Programmes Manager. He uses an informal mode of art therapy to encourage his students to rebuild their lives.

“They know that they’re not all going to be artists – but all of them are going to have to go on and continue with their lives afterwards,” he said.

He cites the example of one student, Gina, whose life was full of self-loathing and misanthropy, insisting that she couldn’t paint.

‘Art saved my life’ – pal of Oasis star has brush with success – Manchester Evening News – 17/09/13

The article is on page 6 of the Main Edition South/City – 17/09/13

Online version here: http://bit.ly/1537cf7