Nigel

I’ve recently been helping my friend and colleague Inez with a project she’s working on; reviewing health and wellbeing support for homeless people in Liverpool.

We’ve met some amazing people through this work and I was lucky enough to spend some time this afternoon filming this chap talking about his own story.

Nigel was born and raised in Derby, a place which he still holds very dear. However, it eventually became difficult for him to stay there after 20+ years of addiction, some spells in prison and experiences of homelessness.

He eventually came to a realisation that the only way to break this cycle was to move elsewhere and, in his own words, “to take responsibility” for getting his life back on track.

Since moving to Liverpool and successfully completing rehab, he’s found the support and mind-set that works for him. He now has his own home and a job working as a support worker in a Single Homeless Hostel; after some difficult years he’s got a good relationship with his family and has made positive, supportive friendships – all of which helps to keep him grounded and to wake up with a smile on his face every day.

He stressed the importance of talking to other people, and of seeing connecting with others as a strength not a weakness. Growing up, he was taught that the only emotion men could show was anger. He doesn’t believe that anymore, and you honestly couldn’t hope to meet a more gentle, compassionate, inspirational and positive human being.

He says he’s proud of what he’s achieved, and so he should be. Congratulations, Nigel. You rock!


Today’s tune can only be ‘Making Plans For Nigel’ by XTC https://youtube.com/watch?v=PHTrJGeKhYA although, in this case, it’s great to see Nigel making his own plans!