Award-winning stand-up comedian from Greenock says he has finally got his life back on track after a traumatic five years

William O'Hara, known locally by his stage name of Parrot, had moved away to Dumfries to be nearer the English comedy circuit.

He settled there with his wife and her five children.

The 54-year-old was back in Greenock to do work on his daughter's house when he received a bombshell call that his marriage was over.

Parrot says he suddenly went from an 'affluent' lifestyle to living in a rundown flat and being a step away from living on the street.

Now he has decided to speak out and share his experiences in an attempt to offer hope to other people.

Parrot said: "I was left destitute and in debt.

"I left with nothing, I just walked away.

"I was emotionally devastated, broken-hearted.

"Thankfully I had good friends round about me."

Parrot said his experience made him realise how hard it is for people who are down on their luck and the stigma of asking for help.

He said: "I would say that I was affluent. I don't want a yacht but I could have if I wanted it."

Parrot now owns two businesses, one in comedy and a Bespoke Metal Work Company.

He said: "I always had a job it was never a chore. As long as I was creating something whether it was a joke or a rocking horse."

Parrot said his faith, friends and his work ethic saved him.

He said: "I believe in Jesus and I've always volunteered with different projects.

"Then I found myself in need of support. "

He found help at his church Caddlehill Christian Fellowship from family and friends who offered him work.

He said: "I found a place very quickly through my friends in the church and the contacts I have in the voluntary groups.

"I never felt that I had the right to feel sorry for myself because I was surrounded by people who loved me."

Parrot says he received a mixed response when dealing with the authorities as he had tried to sort his affairs out.

He said: "One woman who worked in the Council Tax office was brilliant, I was so grateful for her humanity.

"Another man in the job centre saved my life.

"But some individuals were demeaning and treated me with contempt for the situation I found myself in."

Parrot says he felt shame at queuing up for help at the foodbank.

He said: "There is still a stigma."

Parrot, who has three grown-up children of his own, says he is now in a much better place psychologically.

He said: "I'm happy for the first time in five years.

"More than anything else a person needs purpose, it's great to have that."

He says his experience has made him think of other people struggling against poverty.

He said: "I've had good friends and support around me. Some people don't have that support."

"I think people in positions of power have a responsibility to be a bit kinder to people and more compassionate.

"I hope my story helps somebody else. I would say to them not to give up and keep going."