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The power of a cup of coffee and a chat: how a former prisoner turned his back on crime to help those in need of a friend

13 June 2018

Some years ago Roddy MacPherson got talking to a stranger in a Glasgow street. He offered the man a coffee and the two enjoyed a conversation about their lives. When Roddy eventually met the man again he discovered how meaningful that simple act of kindness had been.

The stranger had been heading to the Kingston Bridge to end his life.
The encounter with Roddy made him change his mind.

A Caf茅 For The People | Roddy's Story

Roddy spends his life helping others, but he has his own painful memories.

Roddy runs the Square Yard Café in Glasgow. It’s a haven for those who need a friendly face or a safe space.

He explained, “The café’s the base for the people who are lonely, or the homeless girls; the girls that work the streets.”

And he knows a thing or two about the need of a helping hand: “My past is institutions, addiction, stealing, drugging, drinking.”

It took a horrific event to turn Roddy鈥檚 life around

“One of my pals got murdered. I thought ‘If I get myself locked up I can’t reprise and hurt more people’.”

All you鈥檙e trying to get any of these people is a tiny bit of hope back into their life.

Roddy held up a shop, with the – ultimately successful – aim of being sent to prison.

“It gave me time to think about my life. How short and precious [it is].”

Now, as well as running the cafe, Roddy helps others in need of a friend.

“I counsel some boys and girls with mental health, addiction, sexual abuse issues.

“All you’re trying to get any of these people is a tiny bit of hope back into their life.”

People who make a difference

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