Pictured: Josh and John at the launch. Also pictured some of the things Social Bite is achieving
John Watson OBE was privileged to be invited to the launch and signing of Josh Littlejohn’s new book “Paying it Forward – How to be a Social Entrepreneur” charting the remarkable journey of this outstanding public servant and social entrepreneur.
Josh, of course, is the co-founder of “Social Bite” – the incredible charity which does a power of good work and whose aim is to end homelessness.
The book signing took place in the newest Social Bite café in Glasgow’s Buchanan Street.
Commenting on the book, John – who has supported Social Bite financially over the years through the Watson Foundation said: “I’m delighted Josh has put down in print his incredible successes. It goes without saying he and his team have achieved so much in the ongoing endeavour to defeat homelessness in a ten year period.
“The book has already shot to the top of the bookselling charts and is an illuminating insight into just what can be achieved with a determination to make a difference.”
The book has become a Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller and Josh himself has been described in glowing terms by Sir Bob Geldof, novelist Irvine Welsh and filmmaker Sir Richard Curtis.
The book takes its name from the principle of “paying it forward” – a method of showing kindness financially such as paying more for a meal in a social bite café to help a homeless person.
A stand out highlight in the book is a moving account of how recovering drug addict Sonny Murray asked for a job from Social Bite and, remarkably, went on to launch his own business.
Josh has recalled the successful “sleep outs” which took place in 50 cities around the word raising a staggering £20 million to tackle homelessness worldwide including one in no less a location than Times Square in New York!
This was a huge logistical challenge but with his usual finesse – and assisted by an army of helpers – it became a global triumph.
This was followed by a Social Bite “Village” whereby homeless people can get a foothold on a first home in Edinburgh with additional ones coming soon in South Lanarkshire and London.
John – who is mentioned in the book several times – added: “I was just delighted to be part of such a social justice success story and receive a signed copy of this inspirational book.
“It is a supremely well written piece of work and Josh can be best summed by what Sir Bob Geldof said of him: “Sometimes I wish I could be just like Josh – he’s brilliant.’”
*Copies of the book can be ordered as follows: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paying-Forward-How-Social-Entrepreneur/dp/1788708407