Here’s an inspirational story this evening about a local resident and the excellent service that Blantyre Beacons offer.
For those not aware, Beacons is a non profit organisation based at Station Road, Blantyre who offer people in recovery the chance to have their say and make decisions as to what goes on in their own community. The Beacons is a safe place to drop in and meet other like minded people in the community.
Paul Barrett, a local man has bravely shared his inspiring story here about how he has turned his life around, giving hope to other people of all ages, and assuring them that even the worst addictions can be overcome.
Paul told us, “I was addicted to Street Valium and cocaine for 17 years but I’m now 3 month plus sober, volunteering at the Beacons , and I have my own podcast on Spotify. I’m doing shares for the younger generation at the Givit and running half marathons.“
“I’d put everybody through the mill with bills, denial, lying, stealing, manipulating….anything to get my next fix. I was selfish and didn’t realise I’d hit rock bottom. Then I started going to the first two meetings it was a place called ‘Binge with Catrina’ with Catrina Slaven and another group from Blantyre called ‘Keep the heid’. They were very supportive and pointed me towards the Beacons meeting and heard everybody else’s stories and I started to realise how lucky I am and how selfish I’d been.”
“Seeing other people with years and years of sobriety, made me want that. Now it’s about giving a wee bit back and trying to get everybody else sober. I’ve got a podcast and I volunteer for the Beacons. I’m on the panel for them.”
“Most importantly……I now have my family back. Life has changed for me and is good again.”
Paul bravely and assuringly added, “I just want to show everyone that there is life after addiction.”
Thank you Paul for sharing and for your permission for this article. We’re sure everybody reading this will join us in wishing you the very best and hope that your positivity and important message gets out to many others.
