A Glasgow taxi driver who turned his life around after drinking and taking drugs is launching a service he hopes will help others.
Scott Richards is starting a weekly walk and talk group from Sunday, February 5, to encourage people to open up to one another.
It comes as the 40-year-old is three years into a cocaine anonymous group which has helped him open up about his past and change his life for the better.
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The dad, from the east end of Glasgow, says he was born into poverty and dealt with childhood trauma and struggled with alcohol and drugs.
He was used to partying and turned to alcohol when times got tough but has now found solace in walking and talking. Scott will also be starting a course at college as he hopes to become a counsellor and help others.
The GlasGO Cabs worker has recently been sharing his story with passengers and they've opened up to him too.
Scott said: "In the last three months people have been sharing their stories. There’s been suicidal thoughts, people have come in and broke down.
"Some people have spoken about their problems with addiction and gambling. They have mental health issues and it’s so sad.
"People have been bearing their soul to me. There’s so many people suffering and they’ve not got a clue.
"I try to point them in the right direction and give them compassion, because I understand, I don’t judge them. I tell them everything is going to be alright.
"I’ve managed to get a few people into alcoholics anonymous or cocaine anonymous meetings. I’ve given people tips about anxiety.
"When people leave my car I’m like wow, the east end of Glasgow is on its knees. Something needs to happen and I cannot sit back and let this keep happening."
Scott hopes to be able to show people the value of talking instead of bottling things up.
He added: "The Scott from three years ago didn’t care about any other people. I was selfish but am a different person now.
"If you could’ve seen how I was, I was done and on my knees. I didn’t know where to turn.
"You don’t understand the value of two people speaking to each other, it’s the best medicine for me. Once you admit you have an issue and speak to someone about it the only way is up.
"If someone like me could turn their life around anybody can do it. Never give up.
"If I could help one person, I want to give them hope. The east end is quite poverty stricken and people are struggling, they might just need that bit of hope.
"If we could get some community spirit then who knows what will happen. I am excited and apprehensive.
"It’s a chance to help people and I am going to give it my all. It will be amazing if it works."
The walk and talk group will set off from the Fountain, at Glasgow Green, from 6pm on Sunday and is expected to last an hour.
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