The Man Hug - Ep011 - Pivotal Points - Michael Branch and Paul Gladwell

We are joined by ex-professional footballer Michael Branch who shares with us his journey from academy player to professional at his boyhood club Everton and the pressures that came with. He openly discusses how he fell out of love with playing and how a bad decision cost him a 7 year sentence in Her Majesty’s Pleasure! That was a turning point and a counsellor helped to support him in turning his life around. Michael now works with some of the cities most vulnerable young people through Everton in the Community and also set up a running group focused on talking - @socialstridersliverpool An amazing lad with an inspirational story.

We are also joined by Paul Gladwell, co-chair of @paul_lavelle_foundation After Paul and his friends lost their mate ‘Lavey’ who was murdered by his partner, the domestic abuse story was brought to light. Since then they have been on a mission to help men in domestic abuse relationships offering direct point of contact support, whilst campaigning and educating along the way 💚🧠