Paul had spent many years

in the grip of alcohol and drug addiction which left him homeless and desperate. After a period of volunteering raised his self-esteem, Paul felt inspired to take the road to recovery and he came to SAFE with hopes for a future using his carpentry skills to help others. He was supported through a bespoke business support programme which helped him focus his plans, open his own workshop at SAFE and introduce many opportunities for collaborative projects. He even showed up with a boat in tow…!

Paul now supports others in recovery from addiction both through his own networks and through SAFE’s wider community contacts. He has created a work environment where everyone feels welcome and supported and nobody is judged. Running a CIC has also empowered Paul to further his own professional development by gaining qualifications to teach accredited joinery courses to adults in various settings. Paul says:
“It gives me great pleasure to watch individuals grow in confidence and learn practical skills, empowering them to make positive changes in their lives. I understand where they have come from, what they are going through and I hope I can inspire them to see what can be achieved, given the right support.”

And then there’s that boat… Paul came to SAFE with a yacht which was never going to sail again and was just waiting for the right restoration project! Five years later it is a much-loved community landmark having been transformed into ‘Sutty’s Ark’ a canal-side seating area.
Paul’s story is exactly what SAFE is about – we all need to do something meaningful, to help others and to feel a part of something. That’s community. That’s SAFE.