@winstondavis1 Always grateful for the opportunities…never know where things can lead…thank you @GB News for having me on… Shout out to @Belstaff for the jacket! #news #politics #carpediem #grateful
Winston is a multifaceted entrepreneur, social campaigner, husband, father and sometimes actor, whose life ambition is to try and leave the world in a little bit of a better place than he found it.
As part of his social campaigning, Winston has helped provide ex-offenders a second chance at rehabilitation. He knows how hard it can be for ex-offenders, as he is one himself. He served a three-year sentence for intent to supply Cannabis and used the time behind bars to learn a skill in plumbing and heating. Now he is a fully qualified heating and plumbing engineer, running his own company, ‘Avenue Heating‘ and has employed ex offenders to teach them a trade and a career in the future.
He initially came to National prominence when he posted a video, that went viral on TikTok and Instagram, where he tracked down and confronted his son’s mugger and was able to persuade him to return a bag he had stolen at knife point. At the time he said, “Although what he did was completely wrong, he said he was broke and needed the money…he’s 16 years old, been in and out of detention centres, lives in a supported living place and has no qualifications…despite this he wants to work in computer engineering…this kid doesn’t need punishment, he needs help.”
Winston’s social campaigning sees his role as Chairman of Southside Young Leaders Academy, Inspiring Black Boys To Be Future Leaders. SYLA supports Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic boys aged 8-16 years old and their parents\guardians that reside in the London Boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth. The aim is to cultivate leadership in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic boys, enabling them to pursue positive life paths and overcome all constraints. SYLA prioritizes boys who are from disadvantaged backgrounds, vulnerable and at risk of social and educational exclusion. SYLA’s programme empowers the boys to be strong and self-reliant individuals, positive and active citizens and prepares them to be a new generation of community and business leaders.
During the coronavirus outbreak he created a practical initiative by providing free heating services to those most at risk, the elderly and vulnerable. At the time he said: -“You realise what it means to be in the community. They can’t leave the house or go out and I thought about what I could do to help. For some older people, to have heating issues it can become a nightmare. If I don’t charge them at least it is one thing off their minds. You can contribute in little ways, even if you phone someone up and speak to them, it makes the whole situation a lot easier.”
Another social initiative Winston has been a part of since the pandemic, is helping to feed families at Christmas. This has been a yearly initiative, growing from a few dozen families being supported, to as many as four-hundred families a year. The families receive full Christmas hampers, everyday essentials and presents, many from donations from members of the community and delivered by local volunteers. Winston spoke of the impact the hampers had on families: “I can’t over emphasise what a difference these deliveries have made to the lives of the people who received them. Some would have had to use food banks if they hadn’t received their delivery. Others are working families, who have really been hit this year – sometimes having to choose to feed their children and going without themselves. This meant that they’ve all been able to eat this year as well as open gifts.” He added that many people “cried tears” when saying thank you to the drivers.