HI am looking for some good advice...i have lots of debt from a long time ag and really need to get a mortage?

as i am working fulltime and i am paying crazy rent prices ... is there anyone that can help / give good advice as i am going round in circles.. the banks just say no due to my previous credit rating whihc is really bad .. and i cant get a loan of that amount ..... to cut a long story short ... i was made a mug off a long time ago and now its making life a nightmar to get anything anywhere,, please no time wasters .... thanks