The remarkable story of one man’s journey to find support and, in turn, positively impact those around him was a point of celebration on Friday 27 June.
Four years ago, Paul Boughton, who has an intellectual disability, was sleeping on someone’s couch without access to the right services.
He did, however, have a catch-phrase: “my life is going to get better and better”.
Through a friend and a suggestion, he met Elizabeth from Lilydale’s Choice Community Health, who helped set him up on NDIS, find housing and build a community around him.
Paul, once he’d been helped and supported, went on to show the same kindness to six of his friends.
“My parents taught me to be kind to others and think of others before yourself sometimes,” he said.
“And I looked at their situations and I thought, ‘well, Choice has helped me through so much, why can’t they get help?’”
One such person was Mark, a friend of Paul’s for 27 years.
Struggling with his mental health and suicidal ideation, Paul said Mark would call him often, seeking support and friendship, much of the time in tears.
With Mark living in Adelaide at the time, Paul decided to offer him a bed at his house in Lilydale, rent and bill-free until Mark could get back on his feet.
“He’s got a house, a better house now than what he’s ever had, and I’m grateful to see that he’s happy,” Paul said.
Mark and Paul are now walking distance from each other, with Paul saying he’s like a brother to him.
For Mark, he truly believes he wouldn’t be here today without Paul, and, by extension, not having found a community at Choice.
Recognised for his dedication to helping others around him, Choice presented Paul with a certificate of appreciation.
“In recognition of your outstanding contribution to our community and the many lives you’ve helped shape through your advocacy, compassion and confidence. You remind us that change begins with one,” the certificate citation read.
“You’ve shown us the power of helping others through your bold voice and unwavering presence. You’ve brought hope and stood strong for those who needed someone to believe in them.
“Thank you for being a living example of strength, change and community. With deep gratitude, we honour the way you think about others above yourself.”
Elizabeth said when she first met Paul in 2021, his positivity was radiating.
“He was always so positive. That’s his temperament,” she said.
“Paul is a generous, kind and gentle man. It’s like a ripple effect. He’s so supportive, then he starts helping others, loving others. He’s just such a good friend. He’s humble.”
Through Choice and his newfound family, Paul was able to marry his wife Bella last year in April and this year travel to Queensland for his dream holiday.
“It was so good, the best holiday I’ve ever been on,” he said.
From putting someone up in his house, to feeding them and even giving away his heater, Paul said his reason for doing so was “I just wanted to help”.
