0:00:01 > 0:00:05This programme contains strong language.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07Ballysally on the fringe of Coleraine,
0:00:07 > 0:00:10home to almost 3,000 people.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15Many rely on government benefits to survive.
0:00:16 > 0:00:22With tough times, just getting to the end of the week can be a battle.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28This is the story of a year on the estate.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Aaron, are you getting up?
0:00:56 > 0:00:58- Aye.- Aye.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00I'll be up in 10 minutes.
0:01:00 > 0:01:05Noel's on a mission to get his son Aaron up out of bed.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09Ah, never you worry. What are you shouting at?
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Aaron's just finished a government training scheme as a joiner,
0:01:12 > 0:01:16but just like his dad, his prospects are bleak.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20Noel's been out of work for 10 years and both he and wife Mandy
0:01:20 > 0:01:24are worried that Aaron will end up in the same boat.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26You just have to keep applying and applying.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30- There will be something will turn up. - I'd take anything going.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34Where's my coat at? Where's my Polish coat.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Aaron's only option is the dole.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52- Aye.- It'll get you a job.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54Monday we get you a job.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Noel's driving him to the job centre to sign on for the first time.
0:02:04 > 0:02:05We're here, lad.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10See you later.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19I think there's about nine or 10, maybe more.
0:02:19 > 0:02:25There's a we'en there that was on them courses they have for two years.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27I think they're all on there today, like.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31So the government should be doing something more for the young boys.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53After a month of sleepless nights,
0:02:53 > 0:02:57Emma finally has some word about her job.
0:02:57 > 0:02:58Hiya, it's just Emma here.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00I'm ringing to let you know
0:03:00 > 0:03:03we're back in full swing at work and we've got the funding.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05So it's just to get a catch-up some day this week.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09She's letting her clients know the good news.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11Thanks, bye, bye.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13It's a real relief.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16At least for three years I can kind of relax.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20I think because my main concern was my clients at the time...
0:03:20 > 0:03:26I don't know, has it really sunk in to me yet? It's more, like...
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Thank goodness now they're going to be OK
0:03:29 > 0:03:33because I think I was worried because a lot of them are so vulnerable.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36It's such a big change, me not seeing them every week.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39I was more worried about the effects it would have on them.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43At least now they know they're going to have me for a wee bit longer.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45It's now just about planning my weeks ahead,
0:03:45 > 0:03:49and trying to make the project the best it can be.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53You never have a day like the day before. Never.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56I don't think I've ever had a day when it's just...
0:03:56 > 0:03:57It's never the same.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Are you working Thursday?
0:04:14 > 0:04:15Hey!
0:04:15 > 0:04:19Kelly Ann's landed a holiday job in a restaurant.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21But doubts are setting in.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25I know it's in Portrush but I don't know where it's at.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27I've never heard of it before,
0:04:27 > 0:04:29so I don't know where I have to go.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33I'll end up in a gay bar or something. I don't know where I have to go.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40- Knowing my luck.... - It's at the top of the town I think.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52It'll get her out of her and get her a we'en of pounds for herself.
0:04:55 > 0:04:56Gives her something to do.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58She sits about here and does nothing.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00Nothing to do. She's bored.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04I didn't work when I was her age.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08I left school and had the we'ans so that was it.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10I never worked ever.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13If I took somebody their dinner and they said it was wrong,
0:05:13 > 0:05:17I'd just be like, "Fucking eat it, you bastard," and that would be it.
0:05:17 > 0:05:18Cos I am really thick tempered.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21If they didn't like it I'd tell them not to come back.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Tough shite.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37Just off now to get Lauren's new splints made for her.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39Get her legs cast. Won't we, Lauren?
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- Round this way. - Round this way, yeah.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47Nine-year-old Lauren is in and out of hospital on a regular basis.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51Dad Jimmy has come straight off the night shift
0:05:51 > 0:05:54to bring her to today's appointment.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58Lauren's numb from the waist down and needs splints to help her walk.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00But as she gets older they need to be replaced.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- That's the old splints. They've just about...- Had it.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09See the toes now, they're starting to get up near your toes,
0:06:09 > 0:06:11- That's when you know they're done. - Yeah.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13They make your feet sweat, don't they, Lauren?
0:06:13 > 0:06:14They give you smelly toes.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16Daddy!
0:06:18 > 0:06:21You might gas everybody out.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25You can see the way it's moulded to the shape of Lauren's feet and legs.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28If Lauren didn't wear them, Lauren couldn't really walk.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30They are very important, her splints.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35As Lauren gets older, she outgrows her splints,
0:06:35 > 0:06:36just like a pair of shoes.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38It's hard for her to get used to, though.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42OK, missus - all right?
0:06:42 > 0:06:45It's OK, don't be thinking about it.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Here, what's up here? Look, up here.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Look at the boats and this plane here.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54Where's Mrs Potts. Where's Bella.?
0:06:54 > 0:06:56Sure a lot of things is worse,
0:06:56 > 0:06:58when you had to get needles and stuff like that.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- Ooh, Daddy, don't talk about that! - Sure there's no needles.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04There we go.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07I can cut the sock off now, Lauren.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- Go through those now to see what... - Thank you.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13Here.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16Another three weeks until we get your new splints.
0:07:25 > 0:07:31Emma is bringing one of her alcoholic clients to court.
0:07:31 > 0:07:36He's getting sentenced today, so we really don't know what way this could go.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40The guy used to be a taxi driver, had his own business and everything
0:07:40 > 0:07:46and it was the alcohol that ruined that, which is very sad because he's a very intelligent man.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50He went to Academical College and I think he was quite high up in school.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55He should be at this window up here.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00But he's not, which means I'm going to have to go ring the buzzer.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Are you ready?
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Right, that'll do. He's just up.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13You can't fight anything on your own
0:08:13 > 0:08:18and they've nobody to help them get where they want to go so that's why they stay the same.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23All I'm doing is going in there and putting in statements to them so they can
0:08:23 > 0:08:27You know, make small changes but to them they're big changes.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- How are you?- Morning. - You look a bit pale today.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45I suppose we don't know what's going to happen today.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Just have to wait and see.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06Probably this way is the best way.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15Gary already has around 50 criminal convictions because of his drinking.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18You're looking a lot brighter today from not drinking over the weekend.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21Your eyes and everything.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29He's just notched up another one, a suspended sentence
0:09:29 > 0:09:32and a £300 fine to boot.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43SIREN WALES
0:09:43 > 0:09:45DOG BARKS
0:09:45 > 0:09:47SHE SIGHS
0:09:47 > 0:09:53Mandy works part-time as a cleaner in a hospital earning £150 a week.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55Go round here first.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58I personally would rather be out working
0:09:58 > 0:10:03because I get bored very easily sitting in the house.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05It is hard getting a job at the minute,
0:10:05 > 0:10:08but I think it makes people lazy.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13So, no, I just like to work for my money
0:10:13 > 0:10:17You know, you don't maybe always get the perfect job,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20but it's a job at the end of the day.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24And they are very hard to get.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28She's the family breadwinner as husband Noel is unemployed.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32I plan to work in here to keep me going for two or three years.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34That's a wee job I done the day.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39The tools are still lying there and there's still more to do. I only hung the door.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42I've done a wee bit of the lock
0:10:42 > 0:10:45and the handles and all need to go on and then it has to be painted.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48But we've done something that will keep her happy today.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51Tomorrow will be a different story.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53HE LAUGHS
0:10:55 > 0:10:59I'm unemployed I would say ten years.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02There's times I'd be feared of going for that interview
0:11:02 > 0:11:05because maybe they like a bit of schooling.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08I just was lazy when I was at school and that
0:11:08 > 0:11:11and just never bothered, like.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15I didn't see the need when I was 16 worrying about school and stuff.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18So I just messed about with everybody else.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23But whatever, ach, some day we'll maybe get something.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26But at the minute were all right.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31I guess the confidence is lost.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34I'm always having to spell things for him.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38He knows what he wants to put down on paper, it's just spelling.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43He's very smart and has got really involved in the community this year.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46He just wants to make something happen,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49you know, for them,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52so that they're not.. destroying things
0:11:52 > 0:11:56and running about and destroying things on their own estate,
0:11:56 > 0:11:58that they have something to do
0:11:58 > 0:12:03and just somebody to look up to basically.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- Right, William, turn that off and get in here.- Right.- Come on.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12- What's that big word there say? - Acordingly.- Oh, accordingly.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14Aye, now you're talking.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16With the drop-in centre up and running,
0:12:16 > 0:12:21Noel has his eye on another project to occupy his time.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Gary lost his home on the estate when he was sent to jail.
0:12:41 > 0:12:46On release he was re-housed in town, but with a view of the River Bann.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57HE LAUGHS
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Now he's settled in, Gary's saving up for curtains
0:13:01 > 0:13:03and a washing machine to make the flat more homely.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42CHILD SHRIEKS
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Do you know what I like playing in the rock pool?
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- What?- Paddling in it.
0:14:52 > 0:14:57Shift work means Jimmy and Denise are rarely off at the same time.
0:14:57 > 0:15:02Trips to the beach are a rare chance for the family to be together.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06These little days are our memories for when they're grown up.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09And the simple things are usually the best things.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15For Dylan it's more so because if we're busy with her
0:15:15 > 0:15:19he's got to sort of make his own fun.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23But he knows that we love him. He always comes to his mummy.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30There's them off now.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Right.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- Oops, that's going down.- See, you really need your splints on.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42Don't you?
0:15:42 > 0:15:43I want to go over to Dylan.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- Here, Dylan, are you taking this? - You take her hands.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- BOY LAUGHS - I might get you.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55Aw, it's lovely.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00Yeah, but I can't feel it.
0:16:01 > 0:16:07I just worry as she gets older she'll spend more time in her chair.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10You know, there's all these sort of things knocking around in my head.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15- Oh!- Is it all cold? The tide's coming in!
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- SHE SCREAMS - It's coming up, coming up!
0:16:17 > 0:16:21There's lots she can do but there's lots we're finding out now that,
0:16:21 > 0:16:25as she gets bigger, she won't be able to do.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27And that hurts.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Gary hasn't been able to stay out of trouble.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53He's just been awarded Disability Living Allowance to help cope
0:16:53 > 0:16:57with his alcoholism, but his drinking's getting worse.
0:16:57 > 0:17:02NEWSREADER: 'Some say a minimum price would not only save money,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04'it would also save lives.'
0:17:04 > 0:17:05Aye.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09Well, according to the police, I fell out with my friend.
0:17:09 > 0:17:15Apparently I headbutted him. That's the truth.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18With a suspended sentence hanging over him, if Gary doesn't
0:17:18 > 0:17:21stick to his bail conditions he could end up back in jail.
0:17:21 > 0:17:27I'm not allowed to enter any bar in Coleraine
0:17:27 > 0:17:30and the only place I can consume alcohol is in my own house.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Fucking shit.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43And I'll tell you better again.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46My fucking friends are in the bar next door.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Kelly Ann has a decision to make...
0:18:06 > 0:18:09..what to wear to her new job.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Bazooka.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15Her first shift starts in just an hour.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22I'm shiting myself now, so I am.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26I'm just really nervous...
0:18:26 > 0:18:27..so I am.
0:18:28 > 0:18:34But I'll try my best, and if they don't like it, then, you know,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36there's nothing I can do, like.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38I tried.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Before I go in I'm getting a smoke first, so I am.
0:18:41 > 0:18:42Fuck that there.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Oh, my God. Claire just texted me.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49She said I have to wear my hair up.
0:18:52 > 0:18:53SHE LAUGHS
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Oh, my God.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59I look like a man with my hair up.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14It's only this one I need.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- Why do you need that? - Cos I'd rather have boys' perfume.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25- It's far nicer.- There, I took that cheat off.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- Oh, shit.- Give me that back.- No.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- Bye-bye. Good Luck!- See yous after.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52- You really need to let some air in, Gary.- Aye?
0:19:52 > 0:19:53It's a bit smoky in here.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00Do you want to cut down a bit, Gary?
0:20:00 > 0:20:04The last couple of weeks you've gone overly mad, shall we say?
0:20:06 > 0:20:09I think we really do need to get you back to kind of where we were
0:20:09 > 0:20:12before the last couple of weeks.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17And we do need to be using this DLA money for something more useful.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21The next DLA, we're going to get you a washing machine
0:20:21 > 0:20:23so it's won't cost a tenner every day.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27Emma's trying to halt Gary's downward spiral
0:20:27 > 0:20:29before he ends up back in jail.
0:20:29 > 0:20:35When this court case goes, what's the point in me paying any fines?
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Because I'll be in jail anyway.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41At least you don't know for definite that's what'll happen.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43If you have this blip and then you go in front of the judge
0:20:43 > 0:20:45with no money, nothing else,
0:20:45 > 0:20:48and you haven't done anything he's asked... Know what I mean?
0:20:48 > 0:20:51Whereas, at least if you go and you've done everything but this...
0:20:51 > 0:20:56OK, you got into a bit of bother, but you were having a hard time,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59maybe you were drinking a wee bit more, but if he can see,
0:20:59 > 0:21:05"Look, he's settled himself down again, he has done everything else,"
0:21:05 > 0:21:06that'll go into account.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09You just don't want to cut your nose off to spite your face.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14- Aye, I know, Emma. - Do afternoons suit you better?
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- Will we say Wednesday about 2 o'clock?- That'll do me.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23Nice and sober and no alcohol.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29I might have alcohol on me but have you met me drunk?
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- Yes.- When? - I took you home one night.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37I met you in Tesco's car park.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- Oh, aye. - HE LAUGHS
0:21:40 > 0:21:42He's was going from strength to strength.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46But he's just hit a brick wall. But we can build him back up again.
0:21:46 > 0:21:47She's helped me.
0:21:51 > 0:21:52At least she's trying.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Oh, I need to pee!
0:22:17 > 0:22:18Oh, my God almighty!
0:22:22 > 0:22:23I'm shaking.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35Right, I don't know where to go.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49Kelly, this is Michael. Michael, this is Kelly.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Hello.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56After only an hour on the job, Kelly Ann's proving to be a fast learner.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- What one do I give this to? - Table 12.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- Is that that one down there? - Just that man.
0:23:22 > 0:23:23He's sexy.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29I'm loving it already!
0:23:43 > 0:23:47Ah, at the minutes them's just young birds at the minute.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51They'll do their own thing and then they'll start to listen.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Noel hopes his new project will encourage young people
0:23:56 > 0:23:59on the estate to listen to him, too.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03C'mon! The cat'll get you!
0:24:03 > 0:24:05He's started up a band.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11If we don't do it, then I don't know how long I...
0:24:11 > 0:24:15It's the same in every housing estate, not just our housing estate.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17All housing estates is the same.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Very little for them to do in it
0:24:19 > 0:24:22and then they get trapped up in drugs and whatever.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26We'll not keep them away from everything.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28They'll have to do that on their own, like,
0:24:28 > 0:24:30but we'll try and guide them.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34BIRDS FIGHT
0:24:34 > 0:24:36There's a frenzy going on in there!
0:24:45 > 0:24:49Emma's managed to persuade Gary to take a break from the drink.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Hello, Roy!
0:24:55 > 0:24:57Ready to go?
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- The booze?- Not today, right enough. - Aye.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07Do you see coming off it? It's fucking worse than being on it.
0:25:07 > 0:25:08I know.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15He's run out of cash so Emma's recommended a food giveaway
0:25:15 > 0:25:16run by a local church.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24It's a bit of craic plus if you need the food you need it.
0:25:26 > 0:25:27Excuse my fingers.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33- Every week I write in my diary to come over here...- Yeah.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37- ..but sometimes I just don't make it.- You're a wee bit worse for wear.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39Aye, that's it.
0:25:39 > 0:25:44When you've been drinking heavy for a while you want to come off it
0:25:44 > 0:25:49and you do come off it, but the moment you feel all right again...
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Aye, you think you can handle it.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- Aye, you want to go back there again.- Yeah.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10Emma's received the worst possible news.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Gary has been found dead.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15I'm so sorry to hear the news.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19I though that was a big, big shock for you.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23Gary's body was pulled out of the River Bann, yards from his flat.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27The police weren't able to find out how he fell into the water.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29I see your daddy at least twice a week
0:26:29 > 0:26:33and I have never ever had any worries about him
0:26:33 > 0:26:35in that way at all.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37There was no drink in his system?
0:26:39 > 0:26:42He definitely wouldn't have done anything silly when he was sober.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Right, OK, bye. Bye.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53I've lost young people.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57It's not the first time I've lost somebody I've been working with.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00It's the first time in this job I've lost someone.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05I just remember when I first started this job somebody saying to me,
0:27:05 > 0:27:07you're going to lose people along the way
0:27:07 > 0:27:13and, at the time, I thought, "None of mine are that bad."
0:27:13 > 0:27:19Like, Gary - I never ever thought... it was going to be now.
0:27:24 > 0:27:33Me, Gary Ferris, is going to stay out of trouble, this year,
0:27:33 > 0:27:35next year and every year.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45Next time on the estate...
0:27:45 > 0:27:47It's band practice, not drink!
0:27:47 > 0:27:50So...you can lay it out there if you want,
0:27:50 > 0:27:52but if you bring it out here, it will go down the sink!
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Look, look, look!
0:28:02 > 0:28:07- There's no bar.- Practise at the weekends. In the skin whistle.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10That band was depressing.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19This is my route out of it! It's pretty cool, isn't it?!
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd