A HOMELESS beggar turned social entrepreneur will host an ‘inspirational’ youth project in a bid to stop youngsters going through the pain he did.
Miguel Dean, of Malvern Link, has organised ‘Voices of the Future’ for 16 to 25-year-olds throughout the county to take to the stage and showcase their talent.
The 47-year-old was also aided in the organisation of the event, which takes place at Huntingdon Hall in Worcester, by a £9,500 Big Lottery Funding grant.
“I love public speaking and working with young people,” he told The Observer. “Young people are the future and I am not sure we listen to them as much as we could about their ideas and thoughts.
“The whole thing I want when they walk out on the stage is an image they will remember for the rest of their lives, it is a real buzz.
“I think this is an opportunity and a platform for young people to be heard, listened to, valued and respected.”
Miguel admitted he hit ‘rock bottom’ aged 27 when his life spiralled into drugs, crime, alcohol, violence and living on the streets in Scotland.
But writing his autobiography, Stepping Stones in the Mist, helped turn his life around and the father-of-two says he has never looked back.
“I got in to a mess and realised I needed to get my act together or I would not be around much longer,” he said.
“I thought maybe I can help young people and learn from the mistakes I have made.
“I know we have to make mistakes to learn from them but maybe young people don’t have to go through as much pain as I did to learn this.
“I only had to live like that because that is what I felt I was worth but I have now realised I am worth more than that.”
Voices of the Future will take place at 7pm on September 12. For more information email [email protected], visit www.migueldean.net or call 07846697924.
