A man who spent his life on and off the streets has achieved his dream of working for a charity that helps the homeless.

Richard O’Neill, 42, is an employee at Maidstone Day Centre and spends his days helping the vulnerable and rough sleepers.

Last November, Richard, who was just a week into volunteering at the centre, which is run by charity Homeless Care, spoke about his journey, to support the charity’s annual Christmas campaign; You Can Help.

He revealed how his long term ambition was to work at a charity which helps the homeless, and six months ago that came true, after he was offered a paid position.

The 42-year-old said: “I didn’t always lead the best life. If I can help one person not go through what I have been through it’s worth it.”

Richard started running away from his Oxford home aged just 12, and had his first homeless “spell” at 17.

“Growing up I didn’t always make the best decision or help myself,” he said.

“The best part of my life I have spent being on drink and on drugs.” Richard has now been clean for five years.

Once, while homeless, he found a group burning his tent to create a fire, in order to burn rubber off stolen railway tracks.

Before Maidstone, Richard moved from High Wickham to a village just outside Durham, where he knew nobody and the council gave him a two-bedroom house to manage.

He embarked on counselling and social care courses, but the isolation and responsibilities of running a home put a strain on his mental health.

He became homeless in Maidstone after he lost his job caring for a friend with type 1 diabetes, due to the pandemic.

Within a week, he was placed in emergency accommodation by Maidstone Council, and immediately started volunteering at the Debra charity furniture shop in town five days a week.

He was then offered a volunteering position at the day centre by manager Matt Lamb.

Just over a year on, he is responsible for handling the food and clothing donations that come in, kitchen duties when needed and helping rough sleepers access benefits and pensions.

Next on the cards is running sessions which teach clients life skills, such as computing and tenancy responsibilities.

He said: “I have always known I was better than the life I led, it was just the case of getting the right support.”

For the twentieth year, the Kent Messenger is supporting Homeless Care's You Can Help campaign, where the charity raises donations throughout Christmas.

This year, as well as food and other items, the charity is asking for financial donations.

This is in order buy nutritious food at a heavily discounted price from charity Fareshare.

To donate, click here.