By Paul Norton, CAN Research Engagement Lead
For as long as I can remember, I have felt a deep energy and motivation to help others. It is the most powerful lever in my life—driving me, guiding me, and shaping the choices I have made. Whether I have worked for charities or commercial organisations, my purpose has always been the same: to help others. In many ways, it is my way of paying forward the help and love I have been fortunate to receive throughout my life.
About a decade ago, I attended an event in London that gave me an experience I will never forget. Walking back to my hotel late one evening, I crossed Tower Bridge. Coming down the steps, I noticed a man sitting on the ground. He looked to be in his sixties. At first, I walked past him, but something made me stop. After a full minute, I turned around and sat down beside him.
Paul Norton, CAN Research Engagement Lead
His name was Paul. We shared the same name, but his story was very different from mine. He had once lived in a flat with his wife, but after she passed away, he experienced a breakdown and could not face returning home. By the time someone helped him, it was too late—his home had been reassigned, and now he was homeless.
That conversation changed me. Until then, I had not really thought about homelessness. To the extent that I had, I only knew assumptions and biases. But listening to Paul’s story, I began to see homelessness in a new light. He was not defined by his circumstances. He was more than the situation he found himself in, just as we all are. That night, I understood the importance of compassion — but also how compassion relies on connection and context. And that context only comes when we take the time to listen and truly understand the real issues people experience.
Fast forward to today, and this experience continues to shape how I think about the work we are doing with the ‘I am more than…’ Project. While I do not have lived experience of homelessness, I am passionate about supporting the efforts of our incredible partners, including The HealthBus, The Lantern Trust, and Bournemouth University, to make a difference. Together, we are developing training to enable all types of voluntary and community sector (VCS) groups to become involved in research. By doing so, we are helping these organisations access funding and gather the insights needed to make meaningful, lasting change.
The ‘I am more than…’ Project reminds us that people are always more than their circumstances. It is a powerful message and one I champion in my work with CAN. By listening, learning, and connecting, we can build a more compassionate and inclusive future—one where every voice matters, and everyone’s story is heard.
