Blogs Reports

My Beautiful Ending


Reported by Miles

Published on Monday, September 30th, 2024

Listen Up
Blogs Reports

My Beautiful Ending


Written by Miles

Published on Monday, September 30th, 2024

Listen Up

This report reflects on what Miles has done for Listen Up! and what they have gained from this. 

 

 

Two years ago, an invitation to attend

Join Listen Up, and meet some new friends

Come along and share your thoughts

Stories, experience… all the warts

 

In addiction, I lived in continuous friction

Being homeless, each day I felt hopeless

The shell of my body, purpose – to simply get voddy

Spiritually empty, no dignity left

Purpose, values, decency bereft

 

From street, to hostel, the journey took place, three years later finally in my own space.

My outlook got brighter, the new version of me… a Listen Up writer.

 

Two years in… where am I now

I’ve learned so much, bish bash bosh, even kapow💥

Writing stories from near and afar

Fears, emotions unleashed from the jar

 

Being a reporter gave me voice and reason to get at it

Some of the topics were tough and traumatic

Being supported was a license to be bold

Those horrors, situations previously untold

 

I grew like the others… my new sisters, my brothers

We’ve laughed and cried and even fought

Reflecting on moments from things I never got taught

 

My style has improved

From when it was crude

I’m more eloquent now… ‘how now brown cow’ 🐄

 

This last post, the one I’ll be sending

Sadly because this project is ending

The prose, the learns, the friendships I chose

They’re staying within me, where once I froze

 

I’m full of gratitude for the chance to share this.

The whole Groundswell family, I send you each a hug and a kiss.

 

My final hope… ‘what Listen Up hath joined together, let not man put asunder…’

(however…if you happen to be a deep pocketed visionary new funder… 🤭)

 

 

The three-year Listen Up! project will be completed in September 2024. We are proud of what we have achieved and look forward to seeing what comes next at Groundswell and On Our Radar and for the community reporters. 

You can see other reports reflecting on what we have achieved and gained in this project under the tag Listen Up

The Listen Up! Hub and our insights and resources will be archived online for all to use. 

If you have any questions for Listen Up! or any community reporters, or you’re interested in joining our end of project celebrations, please get in touch at listenup@groundswell.org.uk 

Written by Miles


I'm Miles, dad of two, lived in York for 33 yrs whose overcome homelessness and addiction to become a local reporter for Groundswell since 2020 sharing my experience and thoughts on various aspects of my journey.

Read all of Miles's articles

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