We want to tell you the story of MG…
A Polish national, who after going through some tough times, approached Good Shepherd as a rough sleeper. With a long history of alcoholism we urged MG to join our service user volunteer programme, offering him a place on our mutual-aid volunteering team.
MG became a regular, smiling face at Good Shepherd, volunteering five days a week in the kitchen, dining room and even lending a hand to give out food parcels to other service users in need. It wasn’t long until MG was referred to a night shelter programme and from there, he was able to move into a supported housing placement. Shortly after moving and with a new found motivation and determination to overcome his alcoholism, MG set up a Polish-speaking AA meeting, helping peers and others having trouble with alcohol.
But MG wasn’t done yet. After being moved into housing, he was offered employment support, landing a regular position in construction. At his new job, MG was quick to learn the trade inside and out and after receiving his National Insurance number he began looking into self-employment support.
Today, MG is working full time and aspires to own his own company. In fact, MG was contracted to do some refurbishment work on our new day centre and night shelter – and we have to say, job well done – it looks great! Even better, MG is still heavily involved in supporting AA and is now two years alcohol free himself!
We always love to recall stories such as MG’s. After approaching us in need of support, it’s been a whirlwind of a few years for MG – but he’s had Good Shepherd alongside him every step of the way and we’re proud to see him come out stronger.