Barry O’Shea has launched a fund to make a difference ‘one person at a time’
A man who turned his life around after arriving in Hull “with £14 and clothes from a bin” is giving back to the community that got him back on track – and he would like your help. Barry O’Shea was himself once homeless and battling alcohol and substance abuse.
Now a successful wellbeing and fitness coach and charity champion, Barry has reached out to the people of Hull to assist in his latest venture, directly supporting those living on the streets in the city. He said the cause was particularly close to his heart.
“I was once homeless myself, and it was Hull that took me in, gave me shelter, and helped me recover from addiction,” said Barry. “Because of that, I’ll always feel in debt to this city.
“Since then, I’ve gone on to launch Cocaine Anonymous locally, work alongside celebrities, and help transform the lives of over 1,000 people. But I’ve never forgotten what it feels like to walk the streets with no shelter, no purpose, and no hope.
“That’s why I’ve launched my own fund to directly support the homeless in Hull. I’ve grown tired of hearing politicians talk about change with little to show for it — so I’ve decided to act.
“Every £200 we raise gets one person off the street for a night: new clothes, a haircut, a warm meal out, and the dignity of a hotel bed. One person at a time, we can bring about real change.”
Barry, originally from London, is the man behind Bossfix Academy, a company that provides personal training, online coaching and fitness classes tailored to a variety of individuals and needs. A recovering drug addict and now six years clean, Barry moved to Hull for rehabilitation and a new start.
He said of his latest initiative, street2shelter: “At the moment, I’m funding much of this myself, but I’d like the wider Hull community to know what we’re doing and to have the chance to get involved. This city gave me my second chance in life — now I want to use my success to give that chance back to others.
“I believe that grassroots change is possible when people come together.” In a reel for his Instagram page, Barry has documented the first person he has been able to help, arranging for the man to have a haircut, a new set of clothes, a pub meal and a bed for the night.
Is Hull the best place to live in Yorkshire? You can have your say by completing the poll below or by clicking here.
He said in his post: “I was once a homeless drug addict. I am now lucky enough to be able to help another.
“Thanks to Andy @getfaded.cc for the haircut and @weluvhu for their apartments. If you can please donate via the link in the bio @street2shelter_.
“Every £200 reached gets another off the street and onto a better future. I can then help more. Barry @bossfixacademy”.
The post has received hundreds of likes and comments, including one that said: “So lovely to see there is good still in humanity and our world.” One person said: “Having spent many years working for the homeless I take my hat off to all that continue to support the homeless as one day it could be you, anyone can fall on hard times, God bless.”
Others commented with just one word, such as “Beautiful” and “Amazing”, while one response was “Absolutely class mate.” The GoFundMe appeal page set up under the street2shelter banner currently has a £1,000 target.