Blogs Reports

A Year with Groundswell


Reported by Karen

Published on Wednesday, January 25th, 2023

Community Volunteering and Employment Women's Perspectives
Blogs Reports

A Year with Groundswell


Written by Karen

Published on Wednesday, January 25th, 2023

Community

Volunteering and Employment

Women's Perspectives

Rewind to January 2022 my first of many Zoom meetings with Groundswell. We were all so excited about the launch of the “listen up hub” funded by Comic Relief. My head was spinning, and I remember feeling quite fearful and out of my depth, all of that self-doubt and anxiety came flooding back. OMG I hadn’t written anything since my school days and that was decades ago!!!  I was seriously having a fight or flight moment but I’m glad to say that I bit the bullet and stayed.

In March we finally met up in London it was brilliant to see everyone in the flesh and a perfect way to gel and get to know each other.

I do know that working with the Listen Up! team has had a positive impact in my life and has built up my confidence and self-esteem. It has given me a new lease of life; I feel more involved in what is happening around me and more aware of the real problem we have of homelessness and health inequalities in this country.

I have shared some of my deepest secrets and darkest times with the hub, which has been a healing process for me and has given me the opportunity to deal with some of those issues that I had buried for years. I’ve also shared some of my successful and happier times that recovery has brought me, showing proof that things can change.

I represented Groundswell on a workshop in Budapest which was the most humbling and interesting experience I’ve ever had.

I’ve received unconditional support and encouragement from my superiors, helping me to grow and explore new talents and how to be creative and try new things like taking part in podcasts, steering groups etc.

I think the most rewarding and interesting work I’ve achieved so far is making the video of Andrews Story. It was a challenge I must admit because technology doesn’t come easy but, after the superb training with “On Our Radar”, it is proof to me that anything is possible.

So, there it is my first year of reporting and being part of a fabulous team.

Written by Karen


I'm Karen from Manchester it's great to meet you all. I'm a recovering alcoholic,
I experienced a short time of homelessness many years ago, I'm a survivor of domestic abuse and I'm happy to say I've come through it all.
I volunteered at a local Alcohol and Substance Abuse centre where I qualified as a Peer Mentor.
I now care for my elderly dad who is housebound and I feel blessed to be able and well enough to do this.
I hope as part of this Community Reporting team our stories can contribute to making a difference to homelessness and health inequalities and shine a light on any other injustices we come across.
 

Read all of Karen's articles

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Community Volunteering and Employment Women's Perspectives