A HOMELESSNESS organisation turned to the arts during an event to show how people can find their way out of the problem.

Streetwise Opera and First Stop Darlington teamed up at a workshop for homeless organisations held at Darlington College.

The theme of the event was based on the Government's Creating Places of Change programme. It was organised by Homeless Link, the national umbrella organisation for the sector, funded by the Northern Rock Foundation, and attended by Darlington MP Jenny Chapman.

Mrs Chapman praised the work of frontline homelessness services, such as First Stop Darlington, and welcomed the focus of the event on the people who use the services.

Other speakers included Kate Welch, who spoke about culture change, and Dr Alex Winter, assistant director for national service provider the Cyrenians.

A spokesperson said: "Participants at the event took part in workshops from Streetwise Opera and First Stop Darlington demonstrating how the arts can be a route out of homelessness.

"Volunteers told their personal stories on how they moved from homelessness to becoming peer mentors."