Richard Broadway, Co-op, Westgate-on-Sea and Co-op, Birchington: ‘I would describe my upbringing as living through hell’

I started selling Big Issue here about 25 years ago. It’s my second stint. I did it originally when I was homeless in London. I suffer from numerous mental health issues and Big Issue helps me with that. 

When I’ve been at my lowest, just wanting to end it all, the friends I’ve made over the years have kept me going. They’ve been there through all the torment I’ve been through. I would recommend Big Issue to anyone that has a mental health problem. It stops you thinking about the bad stuff.

When I first came down here, I lived in a hostel in Canterbury. I got accepted into temporary housing when my daughter came and stayed with me, and then this two-bed council property that I’m now in came up. My daughter is an adult now and I’d like to downsize. I might look into one of those over-55s places. I’ve just turned 60. I’m calling it my second 30th. I don’t feel 60.

I would describe my upbringing as living through hell. From the moment I was born, I was fostered. That fell through. I was told by my social worker I was going on holiday and ended up in an assessment home for problem children. I found out later they had diagnosed me as being unfit for family environment. I was six or seven years old.

I was there for a year before I was moved to a children’s home. Things were alright there. But then I was asked if I wanted to see my mum and stepdad. Next thing I know, I’ve moved in with them. I went through five and a half years of suffering, and I watched my mum and sister suffer too. That’s impacted the rest of my life. I have been on the streets. I’ve done prison. Prison screwed everything up.

I used to have staffies; Ruby and Knox. I was on probation and they were giving me early morning appointments, which I’d asked them not to because of my mental health. I ended up missing one. I got four months straight away. 

I had to make a choice. I could put my dogs into kennels for the duration of my sentence – which I couldn’t afford – or have them rehomed. I said they could be rehomed on the condition they wouldn’t be split up. I was told they were taken by a couple who already had dogs and a big back yard, so I think they are happy there.

When I got home from prison, anxiety and depression hit me. It’s got worse. All I want is to get my garden clean and manageable, and then I could get myself a dog. That would solve a hell of a lot of my problems. It would mean the world.

I’m known in Westgate and Birchington as the dog whisperer. Their owners get dragged to where I am! I bring treats out every day. I was looking into doing a course to become a professional dog trainer, but the cost is too much. It’s about £2,000.  

On my pitch, people often stop to listen to the music I play. I play everything from the 60s to the present day, a lot of reggae and soul. I want to give a big shout out to everybody in Westgate and Birchington and thank them for their kindness, support, custom, and above all else, their friendship. I’d also like to pay tribute to all my friends and customers that have unfortunately passed away. I shall never forget any of you. 

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Co-op Food - Westgate-On-Sea - Station Road, Station Road, Westgate-on-Sea, UK