Aaron is all smiles as he casually strolls into
The Big Issue office to give one of his stellar talks for The Big Issue Classroom. His dog Levi is just as friendly and easy going, sticking close to Aaron’s side. However Aaron’s story, which he courageously shares with school students each week, isn’t all smiles.
Aaron recalls that his early childhood days were pretty similar to that of any other kid growing up in suburbia – nice house, friends with the neighbours and a sibling who adored him. Things started to change pretty quickly though once his Dad joined the army and the family was forced to shift every few years. This strain of moving and coupled with his Mum’s bipolar disorder meant Aaron’s home life became troubled. With the constant worry of what was going on at home, he had difficulty concentrating at school and started to slip through the cracks as teachers became frustrated that he couldn’t keep up. This was only fuelled by bullying in the schoolyard – which Aaron felt was no longer a safe place.
Aaron had been skipping school for three months when his parents found out. His dad had always told him that violence wasn’t the answer but once the cat was out of the bag about his absence at school Aaron was beaten badly. His trust for his parents was broken. Having nowhere else to go, Aaron lived in bus shelters, trains, parks and alleyways. Even now he admits that at 15 he was still a little scared of the dark and being on the streets is a scary place – for anyone. Aaron combated his fear by hanging out with a tough crowd for protection but as an off-set he was pressured into crime.
Over the next 10 years there were some ups – getting into a youth refuge, going back to school, being involved with Arts’ programs – but it’s a tough cycle to beat when you’re homeless from a young age and lack positive role models. After struggling to feed and clothe himself, being placed in unstable Government housing, being exposed to drugs and alcohol which lead to a heroin addiction, and spending time in jail Aaron eventually realised that a life of drugs and crime were not what he wanted for himself. And while he knew he had a lot more to offer he was unsure how he could overcome this destructive cycle he was immersed in. However, a chance encounter with an old Youth Worker and a referral from a friend who worked for
The Big Issue turned out to be his saving grace.
Aaron felt quite embarrassed selling The Big Issue at first. But as more customers stopped to chat and pat Levi, his self-esteem grew as did his self-respect. The word got around that he was doing well. Aaron was offered housing; a one bedroom flat for him and his dog. He was given the chance to go back to school and study Youth Work where he met good friends and his lovely partner. They have just brought a beautiful baby girl into the world – and Aaron is a very proud father.
Aaron’s involvement in
The Big Issue doesn’t stop with selling magazines. He uses his personal story as powerful teaching tool in The Big Issue Classroom and he can regularly be seen participating in the writing workshops and attending the vendor BBQs. The Big Issue Classroom challenges secondary students to break down stereotypes surrounding homelessness and encourage tolerance and empathy towards all people. Students attend a one hour interactive group session where discussions, games and fun activities are used to explore homelessness in Australia, discrimination in our society and what means to be marginalised. The Big Issue offered Aaron a hand-up and now he is not only an active member of the community but a role model for hundreds of secondary school students.
You can find Aaron selling magazines on the corner of Flinders Lane and Degraves St in Melbourne on Tuesdays and Thursdays after 2pm and on Saturday’s on the corner of Flinders St and Elizabeth St.
By Adam Valvasori - Values Manager.
