This is the true story of two men with very different life experiences which have shaped who they are, but change is afoot. Let’s call them Richard and Billy, who, because of Rotary Newton Aycliffe and Junction 7, an amazing charity by the way, working together this winter on a Warm Coats Appeal, lives were changed simply by the donation of a jacket.
Rotarian Richard was a keen fisherman and his Barbour jacket was loved and worn in the pursuance of his hobby. However, it was time to let it go and as there was much life left in the coat, Richard donated it to the appeal and off it went to Junction 7.
Step forward Billy, a lost soul with everything to live for, if only he could find a way forward. He was an addict, no job, no money and, without a place to call home, he walked through the door of Junction 7 looking for help. He accessed their free meals service, found people to talk with, who did not judge, but the will to move on was yet to surface.
And then, on a recent visit to Junction 7, Billy spotted the donated coats available to just take from the hanger. What happened next was fate, or whatever your beliefs lead you towards. He honed in on the Barbour jacket, tried it on, it was a perfect fit. Billy walked the floor and suddenly, his face beamed as he realised that his father had a jacket just like it, but would be shocked and ashamed of Billy’s choice of lifestyle. He was letting his father down and, in that moment, he resolved to change his life.
After a few honest conversations with Junction 7, Billy was referred to Waythrough, who specialise in all sorts of issues, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, homelessness. Billy is now in rehab miles away and it’s no walk in the park. It’s cold turkey, a short sharp shock, but he is doing well and is getting the support he needs. A happy ending to the story of Richard’s jacket which was life changing for Billy, and the reason we do what we do at Rotary Newton Aycliffe and Junction 7.