Meet Nigel
Nigel is a creative soul – an actor, singer, and improv artist. He’s a proud father of two and an advocate for adoptees. Nigel joined the Kettle Society in 2023 seeking mental health and housing support and has quickly become an active member of The Recovery Café, performing with the Kettle Choir, running improv sessions, and starting a mental health podcast. This is his story!
One of four siblings, Nigel was adopted into in a big family. After graduating from North Delta High School, he completed a BA in Theatre at SFU and became a working actor. He spent seven years living in Toronto enjoying the creative arts scene, writing, and doing fringe shows.
Upon returning to BC, he got married and started a beautiful family, raising two kids with his wife. Eventually, his struggle with alcoholism would lead to divorce. Nigel spent time on Galiano Island working as a landscape architect. Life was good by the ocean, and he enjoyed the small community feel – being known, knowing others.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Nigel lost his job and it became challenging to get ahead. Work was sparse on Galiano Island and rent was expensive in Vancouver. That’s when he moved into “Winnie”, his 20-foot Winnebago (named after his mum, Winifred).
Although free from his alcohol addiction, he was struggling with the demons of isolation and depression. Living in his Winnebago street-side made it harder for him to keep up his daily routine and hygiene practices, which had further negative impacts on his mental health.
“I had no access to water. I had no heat. I had no working toilet or shower. I would use the restrooms by the beach to wash up and fill up my 2-liter bottle, hoping no one would come in. I was afraid that I would get caught or given a ticket that I couldn’t afford to pay. I hated how people looked at me — like I was an urban refugee.”
Introduction to The Kettle
Tian, an intake worker at Work BC suggested Nigel visit The Kettle for support. It was his third winter on the road and he was in a mental health crisis, desperate to find stability.
“I was trying to get help with my resume from a work placement worker. He looked me in the eye and said, “I think you need to talk to someone.” He could tell that a job alone wasn’t going to solve my problems. He suggested I visit The Kettle on Venables Street.
“I still remember being greeted by George, a Homeless Outreach Worker, when I walked through the doors. He treated me with dignity and respect. He was able to help with my immediate needs like food, clothing, and a shower. The Kettle had all the things I needed in one place.”
Nigel was connected to a legal advocate and a mental health worker. One task at a time, Nigel got the support he needed: renewing his I.D., scheduling medical appointments, filling out applications for social assistance, and supportive housing. Ten days later, Nigel was placed in an SRO, and in February 2023, he moved into his very own subsidized apartment. For the first time in years, Nigel had a safe place to call home.
“I was out for a walk when I got the call and I remember thinking – no way – I landed on my feet, this is going to work out. Life got easier. I could turn on a light switch, I had running water, a bed, and a TV. Until you don’t have it anymore, it’s hard to understand what it is like to go without. I am so grateful for what I have.”
The greatest gift after settling into his new home? Having a place to welcome his kids.
“That’s the best thing about having a new place, is getting to be back with them. I haven’t had that for years. Now, my daughter will pop in, we’ll go for dinner on the Drive – it’s how it should be.”
Recovery and Community
Nigel joined the Recovery Café in March of 2023. The Recovery Café provides support, resources, and a community of care along the entire continuum of a person’s need for recovery assistance. The Café Community allows members to feel grounded and secure in a warm, welcoming environment that builds stability, strong relationships, and a sense of belonging.
“The Recovery Café has become a part of my life. It is my routine now, I come every week and have developed meaningful relationships. I’d replicate the Recovery Café in every neighborhood. It’s a welcoming place, a calming space and I wish more people knew about it because it’s pretty special. It’s a safe space for recovery, for building friendships and self-expression.”
“It was exactly what I needed.”
Through a lot of hard self-work, vulnerability, and resiliency, Nigel has come a long way since he walked through The Kettle doors less than a year ago. In May, he performed with The Kettle Choir in their first public performance in years. The theme of the show was metamorphosis and resilience – songs and spoken word pieces about people finding their voices together. In many ways, his participation was like coming home and reconnecting with his passion for performing.
“It was exactly what I needed”.
Feeling grounded in his home, within the community, and with his mental health, Nigel is taking steps to give back by sharing his passion for storytelling and performing arts. Once a month, he hosts an interactive improv class called “You’re On” at The Recovery Café, providing members with a creative outlet that challenges them to step outside of their comfort zone. He’s also a founder of a brand new member-led project - “The Steam” - a podcast about recovery featuring individuals who have lived experience with mental illness, addiction, and/or homelessness.
Stay tuned to hear more of Nigel’s story on “The Steam” - coming soon!