Having lost his mother as a baby, Miguel then suffered a traumatic childhood at the hands of his abusive stepmother and an absent father. His subsequent low self-esteem led him into a life of crime, drugs, violence and eventually homelessness. Drugs became an easy way at first to numb the painful feelings of worthlessness, being unloved, and feeling lost.
Over 7 years he had no fixed abode and at rock bottom, with things spiralling out of control, Miguel found himself living in a derelict caravan where his days would consist of begging on the streets of Edinburgh to buy drugs and alcohol. An axe attack from a fellow beggar began the journey to bring about change. With the birth of his son, a few years later, came the realisation that it was time for him to begin taking responsibility for his life and the slow road to recovery began.
Miguel now works in the field of youth empowerment: speaking, mentoring, delivering workshops and leading youth empowerment projects. His key message is ‘It is not just what happens that is important but also how we respond to what life presents us with, that makes the ultimate difference.’
Miguel is the author of 'Stepping Stones in the Mist - Life Lessons for overcoming adversity'; an autobiographical self-help book.
Key themes which Miguel covers in his talks; Resilience, drug abuse, perseverance, determination, homelessness, addiction, self-responsibility, citizenship. He is available to deliver student workshops after speaking to further embed and personalise the learning for students.
Shropshire
Please enquire for pricing information.