Our Senior Support Worker here, affectionately known as Big John, has had his life story published on the inspirational More Than My Past website.
The More Than My Past campaign, launched last year, aims to break the stigma of people in recovery from addiction and ex-offenders and as the name suggests, proves that people can be more than their past. More Than My Past showcases a collection of individual life stories of a diverse range of people but all of whom share a history where they’ve battled through addiction and/or committed offences and have gone on to flourish. The campaign is led by The Forward Trust, formerly known as RAPt, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals currently in or who have left prison, their families and people suffering with addiction.
Big John’s feature allows readers to gain an insight into his journey including his run-ins with jail and psychiatric hospitals as well as his struggle with alcohol and substances from the age of 10. His story is complex and sad but also heart-warming and it’s well worth reading.
John wants to share about his difficult journey and experience of overcoming barriers to give hope to others and show that recovery and a happy, fulfilling life IS possible after years of substance abuse and jail terms. We think Big John is truly inspirational and has a heart of gold which is evident when he’s at work here, giving so much support and compassion to all the clients at Broadway Lodge. His story is a fantastic addition to the existing stories on the More Than My Past website.
“Some challenges are so deep and painful that they can affect our entire lives. Childhood neglect or abuse, drug or alcohol addiction, mental health problems, homelessness or criminality. The shame and powerlessness they cause can be paralysing. The good news is that anyone, has the courage and capacity to turn their life around, and achieve great things.”
More Than My Past
Would you like to read Big John’s story?
Read Big John’s story on the More Than My Past website here.
