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From being avenue homeless to changing into Bristol’s new lord mayor, Labour Councillor Paul Goggin shared how he overcame what felt like unimaginable odds as a part of his acceptance speech on the Bristol Metropolis Council assembly earlier this summer time:
“Life occurs to us all… I moved to Bristol in 2003 however in 2005 I turned homeless via no fault of my very own and needed to sleep on the streets and sofa-surfed with pals.”
With the assist of Second Step and Bristol Metropolis Council, Cllr Goggin was capable of finding non permanent housing earlier than shifting right into a council bungalow in South Bristol the place he nonetheless lives.
Cllr Goggin stated:
“I reside with bipolar dysfunction and complicated PTSD… I even have continual nervousness and I can’t put into phrases how troublesome that is at present as a result of I’m speaking about myself. However we should hold talking out about our psychological well being points, not be ashamed or embarrassed – personal it, normalise it to battle towards the stigma so many endure from.”
Cllr Steve Pearce commented:
“[Cllr Goggin] has been very open about his previous and it’s why there’s no one higher suited to changing into Bristol’s first citizen, somebody who really understands the lives of all Bristolians, particularly these which are unrepresented within the council chamber.”
Cllr Goggin shares a message of assist with Second Step
Take heed to Cllr Goggin’s story on this video message, which he kindly filmed for our workers, volunteers, shoppers and board for our current in-person Join Collectively occasion on 12 June:
Video transcript
Howdy and a heat welcome to you all. As a few of it’s possible you’ll know already, and for those who don’t, nicely, I believe this [Cllr Goggin gestures to his red Lord Mayor’s robes and chains of office] quite provides it away, I’m Lord Mayor this 12 months. My title’s Paul Goggin. And the rationale I’m talking to you is I’ve a historical past with second step.
It’s no secret that 18 years in the past in Bristol, I misplaced my house and have become avenue homeless. I used to be positioned in emergency mattress and breakfast lodging and was in whole despair. And to be sincere, it was touch-and-go whether or not I’d make it via. I had an outreach employee who got here and visited me within the lodging and he was excellent, superb, and one of many important causes I’m sitting right here at present.
After six months, I moved to Tollhouse Court docket and was once more supported by great workers. I lastly moved right into a Council property, which I nonetheless reside in at present. However with out second step I merely wouldn’t be right here. I wouldn’t have been in a position to flip my life round. And positively wouldn’t be Bristol’s first citizen speaking to you at present from the Lord Mayor’s parlour.
So thanks for all that you simply [Second Step] do. It actually does save lives. And to any of your [Second Step’s] shoppers there at present, simply know you may make it via with the proper assist.
Thanks.
Second Step’s Chief Government Aileen Edwards stated:
“It was implausible to obtain such a beautiful video message from Bristol’s new Lord Mayor, Cllr Goggin, to play at our Join Collectively workers occasion at the start of June. These occasions are particular as a result of they carry Second Step workers, volunteers, board members, STAR & Unbiased Futures members collectively to reconnect, encourage one another, embrace our successes, and set objectives for the longer term. Beginning the day with Cllr Goggin’s message reminded us why it’s so vital for us to share these moments collectively – as a result of there actually are not any limits to what we will obtain once we assist one another.
“We want Cllr Goggin all the most effective in his new function as Lord Mayor. We’re wanting ahead to following his journey and seeing the facility of his lived expertise shine via in his work to enhance the lives of everybody in Bristol.”
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