The practical hurdles you face can make you feel vaguely paranoid, like the system is against you – although technically it isn’t paranoia, is it, if your fear is justified? 

And it is in this state that many people experiencing homelessness turn up to medical appointments. We are ready to be slapped down and we often think we deserve to be. So even if we did have the confidence and composure to speak up for ourselves, we wouldn’t because deep down inside we are sure we don’t deserve to be treated with care and respect. 

People who think they are not worth caring for need a little bit extra in the form of reassurance, compassion and care. We are easily dismissed but like a parched cactus in the desert we wait for that small drop of rain that will sustain us for the hard dry months ahead.