By Noah Roberts
An Armley man who once faced homelessness now credits recovery, volunteering and music with saving his life — and is now preparing to take to the stage.
Jonathan Tate, 41, says coming to Armley saved his life. Three years ago, Jonathan’s addiction to substances was ruining his life.
“I had hit rock bottom and was on the brink of homelessness,” he said. “My family were sick of me and said I couldn’t live with them because of my behaviour. They were desperate for me to get help.
“I would stay in bed all day, letting the hours pass by. It was the only way I could think of not taking alcohol or drugs. I didn’t take care of myself. I would wear the same clothes for days at a time.”
Concerned for his safety, Jonathan’s family contacted professionals at St George’s Crypt. In a final attempt to help him, they gave him an ultimatum, put him in the car, and took him to a residential rehabilitation home in Armley called Growing Rooms.
Originally from Hyde Park, Jonathan had never really been to Armley before.
“I remember one day walking along Armley Town Street. It was a really sunny day and I was on my way to the charity shop. I just had this feeling of freedom that I’d never experienced before,” he said. “Armley was such an important step in my recovery. If it hadn’t been for it, I think I would probably be dead.”
At first, Jonathan had no intention of staying in rehab.
“I told them I would take part, but really I had no intention of staying,” he said. “I thought I’d just give it a couple of weeks and then leave, just to keep my family happy.”
That was in January 2023.
“What I didn’t realise is that rehabilitation has to be something you do for yourself. It’s not something other people can make you do.”
After a couple of weeks, Jonathan left rehab and went to the council to ask for housing. When they refused, he panicked and called St George’s Crypt to ask if he could return.
“They asked me honestly whether I was only coming back for accommodation or if I was committed to recovery,” he said. “I lied and said I wanted rehab, but I still wasn’t ready at that point.”
But something began to shift.
“I stayed, and after six weeks I found myself oddly enjoying it,” he said. “It was structured. We had therapeutic support and volunteered at the St George’s Crypt charity shop. It was the first time I had genuine friendships and a community that understood addiction.”
His turning point came during a trip to London in April 2023 for a Narcotics Anonymous conference.
“When the train pulled into King’s Cross, my body reacted because I associated London with getting drunk,” he said. “It was strange to realise that wasn’t going to happen this time.”
At the conference, people shared their recovery stories. One stood out.
“A man spoke about having a terminal illness and refusing pain medication because he didn’t want to break his sobriety,” Jonathan said. “I remember thinking: if he can do it, I can do it.”
While at Growing Rooms, Jonathan’s confidence slowly began to rebuild. He started forming healthier relationships, something he had struggled with since being diagnosed with dyspraxia at college.
He also reconnected with his passion for music.
At his lowest points, Jonathan had used writing to process his emotions. During recovery, that developed into songwriting.
“I was writing to deal with grief and loss and to protect my sobriety,” he said.
He had owned a guitar for years, and even during addiction—when he sold almost everything else—he had never sold it.
He began practising again, writing songs, and sharing them with others.
Jonathan started performing at open mics and uploading his music online. What surprised him most was how people connected with it.
After sharing his work with people at St George’s Crypt, one person compared his lyrics to those of Damien Rice.
Volunteering at the charity shop became a key part of his recovery.
“The shop manager, Emma, has been incredibly supportive,” he said. “Anyone thinking of volunteering, I’d encourage them. The staff are supportive and I’ve gained so much from it.”
After leaving Growing Rooms, that routine helped him stay sober.
“I’d wake up and think: I can turn left and go buy alcohol, or turn right and go to the Crypt,” he said. “That walk would clear my mind, and by the time I got there I’d be looking forward to seeing everyone.”
With encouragement, Jonathan applied to be part of Primal Live, a seven-week programme supporting grassroots artists. He now attends rehearsals every week.
He has since worked with recording studios in Leeds and Bradford and released his own EP on streaming platforms. His music has reached listeners around the world, and he has appeared on podcasts, including one hosted in South Africa.
Jonathan is now preparing to perform at a Primal Live event at Belgrave Music Hall in Leeds on 12 April, where emerging artists will take to the stage in a battle of the bands. All proceeds from the event will go to St George’s Crypt. More details can be found here.
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