Our reports

Goodbye For Now…

We are sadly going for now...but wanted to show our readers how we have achieved what we have over the last three years and why we have gone about it this way. We also wanted to share some of our reflections and hopes for the future.

Reported 2 weeks ago by

Charter Proposed at Labour Party Conference

A.J reads a speech given at the Labour party conference in Liverpool. Recently Groundswell and Amnesty collaborated to create a charter aimed at the Government which outlines their asks in relation to health and homelessness.

Reported 2 weeks ago by AJ

Interview with Katie Carter

Shift interviews Katie Carter about her role in a homeless health inclusion team in Brighton as part of The Sussex Community Foundation Trust. They talk about the importance of her role and team, supportive relationships and safe discharges from hospitals for people experiencing homelessness. 

Reported 3 weeks ago by Shift

The Original Protectors

'Awareness of understanding others, Indigenous  people different way of Life. Human contemporaries in the name of progress, have lost touch completely with nature. Our only Provider on Earth? And we don't respect it.'

Reported 4 weeks ago by Y.C.G.

Thank you, Groundswell and Listen Up!

"This is my final report for Listen Up! and it is with a heavy heart that I am writing this."

Reported 4 weeks ago by John

What I Learnt from Being Homeless

"In this report I will be talking about the lessons I learnt during my own stint with homelessness"

Reported 4 weeks ago by John

Coventry

Shift interviews Martyn and Helen from Brighton and Hove Community Land Trust

Shift: “I really had quite long bit of my life struggling with just the way that the system is. It's just really nice to see an alternative and people gaining strength in that as well. I think it's really important, and I'm just so happy that It's there happening.” In this interview, Shift speaks to Martyn and Helen from the Brighton and Hove Community Land Trust about the project 'Who Owns Brighton?'

Reported 4 weeks ago by Shift

Homeless Avalanche Alert

"I've never experienced being imprisoned but know and have friends who have and listening to their stories about reintegration and probation restrictions, it's truly scary what's just occurred."

Reported 4 weeks ago by Miles

York

Government Pledges – Definitely Maybe

In the week Oasis announced a new tour, Miles pondered what the government were up to

Reported 4 weeks ago by Miles

York

Means Testing Pensioners

Winter Fuel Allowance is to be means tested for pensioners. Miles gives his thoughts

Reported 4 weeks ago by Miles

York

A Tax Grab Too Far

"Those who may already be financially vulnerable, you pay a bit more, and we know you'll have to, because you've experienced some form of homelessness in the past and the frightening prospects of going back to that is real."

Reported 4 weeks ago by Miles

York

Listen Up Giving

"I wish you all success in whatever life has in store for you," concludes Karen in her heart warming piece about what she has given to Listen Up, and what Listen Up has given to her

Reported 4 weeks ago by Karen

Manchester

The story behind the story: ‘New home in an old space’ and ‘The footsteps of the past’

A reporter reflects on a film they made three years ago, retracing their steps to a night shelter, and how telling this story helped them shake off negative feelings and reclaim a beautiful space.

Reported 4 weeks ago by Anon 1

My reading experience

'Many readers can read very fast. I envy them. I've never been able to read quickly. It's common for me to reread passages to understand or clarify something. My books are filled with marks, notes, and sticky notes'

Reported 1 month ago by Morshed

My House

In the musical of Matilda there is a song called My House. Here Tess reflects on how significant the lyrics the song are to her experience of council accommodation

Reported 1 month ago by Tess

Stoke-on-Trent

Symbol of Home

'To me a symbol of home is a place where my cat is safe and happy.' In photos, the Listen Up! team respond to the theme 'Symbol of Home'

Reported 1 month ago by Tess

The Story Behind the Story

'I strongly believe information is a powerful tool to make a positive change when we can use it skilfully. Listen Up! is a vehicle to convey that information to society.'

Reported 1 month ago by Morshed

A Poem On My Listen Up Experience

In this poem, Morshed reflects on his time on the Listen Up! project and the connections built along the way.

Reported 2 months ago by Morshed

I Will Survive

Here is Karen's new spin on the Gloria Gayner classic, I Will Survive, changed to reflect her feelings as Listen Up ends

Reported 2 months ago by Karen

Manchester

My Beautiful Ending

In this poem, Miles reflects on his time with Listen Up!

Reported 2 months ago by Miles

York

Our Way

Miles reflects on how, through it all, Listen Up did it Our Way

Reported 2 months ago by Miles

York

Waiting For The Appointment That Never Comes

It's been two years since Tess went to her GP to ask for help. It's been 18 months since she was added to a waiting list. She's been contacted to ask if she would like to stay on the waiting list. She'd like to know why it takes so long to get help for trauma.

Reported 2 months ago by Tess

Manchester

Kew

Through words and photography, Y.C.G describes a trip to Kew Gardens and explores the themes of community, friendship and support.

Reported 2 months ago by Y.C.G.

London

Value For Money Business

With housing plans being developed, will we see value for money from the civil service?

Reported 2 months ago by Miles

York

Young or Old… What Were You Sold?

Is Labour already breaking their manifesto? Miles' verdict is in

Reported 2 months ago by Miles

York

Community Has The Answers

"Reduce costs by employing localised community infrastructure, led by community leaders or voices, they have on the ground intelligence government don't or aren’t trusted with."

Reported 2 months ago by Miles

York

Mindless Thuggery

"I've had many days; I just keep crying. I'm frightened."

Reported 2 months ago by Karen

Manchester

Loneliness

Y.C.G explores the topics of solitude, loneliness, community and human connection through telling a story of meeting someone on a Sunday afternoon.

Reported 2 months ago by Y.C.G.

Experiencing Communities

"Communities for me are tricky places to navigate, filled with unspoken rules and hierarchies," tells Tess in her exploration of communities, focusing on mental illness and homelessness

Reported 3 months ago by Tess

Manchester

Country Before Party – A Question?

"Is this the new slogan 'party before constituents' because that's what it appears to be"

Reported 3 months ago by Miles

York

Andrea Interviews someone who identifies as a queer Traveller.

In this fascinating interview Andrea talks to someone who identifies as a queer Traveller. They talk about some of the discrimination they face from different communities.

Reported 3 months ago by Andrea

Twickenham

The King’s Parliament Confirms Child Poverty Isn’t A First Priority

Miles responds to the King's Speech at the opening of Parliament. Why wasn't child poverty addressed?

Reported 3 months ago by Miles

York

Who is Groundswell’s Jane?

Groundswell's complex needs manager Jane speaks to Mark. They reflect on her impressive 38-year career in health inclusion and nursing and celebrate some of her many achievements during this time.

Reported 3 months ago by Mark

London

Change of Government

"What difference will the recent election make for me?" Ponders Miles in his latest piece for Listen Up!

Reported 3 months ago by Miles

York

Refugee Week: My thoughts!

"...refugees have lost everything, apart from their lives."

Reported 3 months ago by Morshed

Homelessness, Psychology and Policy

Listen Up!'s Shift recently attended the Centre for Homelessness Research and Practice’s annual conference on ‘Homelessness, Psychology and Policy’. These are their thoughts on what they heard

Reported 3 months ago by Shift

Capitalism vs Socialism: A Governance Comparison

"I've been contemplating deeply about the systems of governance that dominate our lives," says John in this deep dive into the impacts of types of economy on life in different countries

Reported 3 months ago by John

Coventry

Being A Volunteer

For June's photo theme we have documented what it's like to volunteer on a day to day basis either within Groundswell or elsewhere

Reported 3 months ago by Tess

Manchester Street Poem

In June 2024, the Listen Up reporters attended a workshop ran by Manchester Street Poem. Here Karen turns the experience into a poem of her own, illustrated with photos from Morshed

Reported 3 months ago by Karen

Manchester

Those Who Help: Salvation Army

In this sixth part of the Those Who Help series, John tells us a little about the Salvation Army

Reported 4 months ago by John

Coventry

Those Who Help: The Jesus Centre

John talks about The Jesus Centre in the fifth part of his Those Who Help series

Reported 4 months ago by John

Coventry

Those Who Help: Langar Aid

In the fourth part of his Those Who Help series, John tells us about the great work Langar Aid are doing in Coventry

Reported 4 months ago by John

Coventry

Those Who Help: YMCA

John tells us about the great work of YMCA in the third part of his Those Who Help series

Reported 4 months ago by John

Coventry

Would a volunteering union help?

In this written piece, Mark weighs up the need for volunteering unions whilst also highlighting different motivations for volunteering.

Reported 4 months ago by Mark

London

Don’t Let Photo ID Prevent You From Voting

Don't have photo ID to vote at the election? How's how to get some...

Reported 4 months ago by Tess

Manchester

Those Who Help: CARAG

In the second part of Johns Those Who Help series, he tells us about the good work of CARAG

Reported 4 months ago by John

Coventry

Morshed’s interview on his experience with diabetes

In this sound clip, Morshed talks about his experiences with diabetes and frustration that comes with waiting for GP appointments to access vital health care.

Reported 4 months ago by Morshed

What kinds of upstream/downstream services will the next UK government offer?

Mark talks about mental health services, the importance of accessing a dual diagnosis practitioner and the impact of having the opportunity to set up his own peer-led social group.

Reported 4 months ago by Mark

London

Those Who Help: Inini Initiative

In the first of his six part Those Who Help series, John tells about the great work of the Inini Initiative

Reported 4 months ago by John

Coventry

Listen Up! Podcast Primary Share Episode Two ‘Mark Speaks Up’

In episode 2 of Listen Up's Primary Share Podcast entitled 'Mark Speaks Up' Mark speaks to Caroline Shullman about his experience accessing primary care. 

Reported 4 months ago by Mark

London

Community and local history

What does community and local history mean to you? These are our films and photos based on community and local history month.

Reported 5 months ago by Karen

A Response to the Dwp’s Latest Plans to Tackle Fraud

In this piece Charlie calls out the DWP for politically motivated policies targeting benefit fraud

Reported 5 months ago by Charlie

Winchester

The Tube, Despair

Y.C.G uses a powerful description of a daily tube commute to explore the issues of humanity, kindness and mental health.

Reported 5 months ago by Y.C.G.

Borderline Personality Disorder

The diagnosis borderline personality disorder has a bad reputation, some people even question whether it is a real condition. But is it like to be diagnosed with it? Here, Tess from Listen Up! tells us what BPD is to her

Reported 5 months ago by Tess

Manchester

Private Property!

In this fiction piece, Shift brings to life some characters who explore the topic of land, trespass and private property.

Reported 5 months ago by Shift

My Community – A Film by Karen

Karen takes us on a tour of where she calls home and tells us about the community she finds there

Reported 5 months ago by Karen

Manchester

A Vagabonds tale

In both a personal and political sense, Y.C.G reflects on the year of 1993.

Reported 5 months ago by Y.C.G.

Occupation of Lesnes

In this piece reporter Andrea talks to local resident Dr Johnnel Olabhie about his reasons for occupying the Lesnes estate in Thamesmead.

Reported 5 months ago by Andrea

London

The Tube Homelessness

In this audio and written report, Y.C.G explores TFL's policies on people asking for money on the underground.

Reported 5 months ago by Y.C.G.

Earth Day

This photo series is a co-authored piece as a response to this month's photography theme 'Earth day'.

Reported 6 months ago by Tess

My body is my Vessel

This written piece by Shift, explores the topics of identity, self expression and inequality. 'I reflect on the inter- connectedness of land, the ecosystem and people.'

Reported 6 months ago by Shift

Watchers behind Walls

In this written report, AJ summarises investigations exploring Oxevision monitoring systems used in NHS mental health wards which have recently come under scrutiny.

Reported 6 months ago by AJ

Queue the music?

In this audio and written report, Y.C.G creatively explores the personal relevance of music and it's importance to community, recovery, well-being and self-expression.

Reported 6 months ago by Y.C.G.

PIP/POP Round Three

In the third part of his PIP vs POP series, Miles walks us through what happened when someone he knew had a phone assessment for their ESA

Reported 6 months ago by Miles

York

My night in the occupation

Andrea describes her night staying in the occupation house in Lesnes Estate in Thamesmead to protest the proposed demolition of homes.

Reported 6 months ago by Andrea

London

Decaying Dentistry

Karen reports on her experience of trying to access dentistry in the NHS- "If you're on a very, very low wage or if you're on benefits or if you're street homeless, you haven't got a chance."

Reported 6 months ago by Karen

Manchester

Rescued Dog

In this photo series report, Andrea talks about the life changing impact of looking after Ace, a rescued dog, and how he is now an integral part of her and her families lives.

Reported 6 months ago by Andrea

Listen Up! Podcast: Primary Share- Speak Up!

In the first episode of the Primary Share podcast series, hear from Listen Up! community reporters Mahesh, Y.C.G, Shift, Mat and Mark.

Reported 6 months ago by Mat

London

The Wait for Therapy Continues

After spending 15 months on a waiting list for talking therapy a letter from Mental Health Services comes through the door. It was not the letter Tess was hoping for, instead it demonstrated the heavy pressure the NHS is under

Reported 6 months ago by Tess

Manchester

Sometimes the Right Decision is not Ok

In this deeply personal reflection about decisions we make for all the right reasons, Tess speaks of the internal conflict left behind around things which cannot be undone

Reported 6 months ago by Tess

Manchester

Andrea interviews Nicolas about the Great Tommy Sleep Out

Andrea interviews Nicolas Cohen about his participation in the Great Tommy Sleep Out.

Reported 6 months ago by Andrea

London

Andrea Interviews Jennifer Dunston at the Great Tommy Sleep Out

Andrea Interviews Jennifer Dunston about her participation in the Great Tommy sleep out in London that happened in March this year.

Reported 6 months ago by Andrea

London

Plaques and Tangles…

Through a powerful personal account, this report shines a light on the staggering figures of unpaid carers in the UK.

Reported 6 months ago by GHDR

Le Voyage

In this photo series, Y.C.G wonderfully narrates a days Journey from Ilford to The Groundswell office.

Reported 6 months ago by Y.C.G.

London

What is Compassion [Part three – Hot]

In this report, part three of three, Mat describes the lack of compassion in the world toward people experiencing homelessness, to show the need for more of it.

Reported 6 months ago by Mat

London

What is Compassion [Part two – Warm]

In this report, number two of three, Mat gets more descriptive in talking about what is involved in compassion.

Reported 6 months ago by Mat

London

What is Compassion [Part one – Colder]

In this report [part one of three] Mat talks about the language behind compassion and try to show that the words are both a reflection and a pointer to the way we think about and show compassion.

Reported 6 months ago by Mat

London

Women in homelessness

In this piece Andrea draws attention to the women who are experiencing homelessness.

Reported 6 months ago by Andrea

London

My Health, My Right

This year World Health Day is promoting health as a right. This is what we, at Listen Up!, are doing to help

Reported 6 months ago by Tess

Manchester

Invisibility Cloak

"Being homeless clearly comes with an invisibility cloak," tells TJ in this heart-breaking and infuriating report about a death in his town and the impact of strangers

Reported 6 months ago by TJ

Birmingham

Am Feeling the Cold

A poem from B

Reported 6 months ago by

Care Should be Provided on a Needs Basis

In this report Charlie talks about the way that service delivery can favour certain types of characters. It's like baby bear's porridge - the system doesn't like people who are too quiet and it doesn't like those people that are too loud and outspoken. Services shouldn't be delivered as a reward for being a certain type of person but instead on the basis of what people need, regardless of what type of person they are or who they know.

Reported 6 months ago by Charlie

Winchester

Who is Michael? He’s the new CEO of Groundswell !!!

Mark interviews Michael, Groundswell's CEO. They talk all things DJing, strategy and visions for the future.

Reported 7 months ago by Mark

London

Cats – A Short Film by Sarka

In this report Listen Up reporter Sarka talks about the connection she has with Cats and the difficulties faced by people experiencing homelessness when it comes to finding a place where they can live with their pets.

Reported 7 months ago by Sarka

London

Hello

Hello, my name is B

Reported 7 months ago by B

Social Services & Cultural Awareness

"Today I will be talking about social services and cultural awareness"

Reported 7 months ago by John

Coventry

What Changes?

"If nothing has changed in seven decades, we can only ask what has gone wrong, do politicians really care, do our votes really matter?"

Reported 7 months ago by Karen

Manchester

World Day of Social Justice: Thank You All Volunteers!

"Thank you to all that helped me in my darkest hour, for you all helped me in my path towards the light."

Reported 7 months ago by John

Coventry

The Least We Can Do is Give Army Vets a Decent Place to Live

In this report Andrea talks about the need for army veterans to be offered an obstacle free path to safe and secure housing.

Reported 7 months ago by Andrea

London

The Migrants of Coventry

"Today I will be talking about the migrant community of Coventry, which of course I am a part of as a national from Zimbabwe."

Reported 7 months ago by John

Coventry

Self-Harm

Self-harm is frequently stigmatised and rarely talked about. Here Tess opens up about her experiences and about what she found helped. Content warning: this report is about self-harm.

Reported 8 months ago by Tess

Manchester

Corporate Smoke and Mirrors

This short thought report talks briefly about the way the community cow is squeezed for every last drop. The Image is a photograph taken by Mahesh

Reported 8 months ago by Mahesh

London

From Budget Day to Happiness Day – You Decide

"6th March is Spring Budget day... so you have a fortnight to digest it ready for celebrating International Day of Happiness on the 20th March"

Reported 8 months ago by Miles

York

It’s Our Responsibility

In this piece for the Charter to End Rough Sleeping in London, John speaks of our collective responsibility to end rough sleeping

Reported 8 months ago by John

Coventry

It is commendable to be volunteering

It is commendable to be volunteering…in any field, really, especially when you applaud the reciprocal positives from your interactions with people and activities around you. 

Reported 8 months ago by Mahesh

London

Derailed…

One moment one is going about one’s busy-ness, with a regular rhythm – next thing… Wow…how the 😳 did that happen? 

Reported 8 months ago by Mahesh

London

Time to Talk Day – Are You Happy?

"Today I will be asking: are you happy?"

Reported 8 months ago by John

Coventry

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind”

"In this chaotic fast-paced world we live in, where we are too busy for one another, especially when times are difficult, I can't help but notice there's a lack of kindness. When I do see acts of kindness it's usually given by those who have the least and who are already a little broken themselves."

Reported 8 months ago by Karen

Manchester

A Little Bit of Kindness Goes a Long Way

In this short report Mat makes the point that people experiencing homelessness need to be treated with a bit of extra kindness in order to engage effectively with health services.

Reported 8 months ago by Mat

London

The Smallest of Interactions Amplified

In this piece Mat Amp talks about the way that the impact of small interactions have an amplified impact on you when you are homeless or in recovery.

Reported 8 months ago by Mat

London

Transformation

Y.C.G uses a series of photos and quotes to represent the notion of 'transformation'.

Reported 8 months ago by Y.C.G.

London

Box Ticking Bureaucrats

In this piece Mahesh voices his frustration at the way people delivering services tend to tick boxes and the stereotyping this leads to.

Reported 8 months ago by Mahesh

London

The Same Old Cycle

In this report Mahesh uses his personal and original writing style to share his frustration at the way the system continues to make the same mistakes, seemingly learning nothing from the costs of the mistakes that it keeps on making.

Reported 8 months ago by Mahesh

London

Human Rights Are Wrong!!!

Are our human rights being observed?

Reported 8 months ago by Karen

Manchester

My Journey Through the System

In this report Mahesh makes the point that nothing has really changed in the housing system with people facing the same old problems that he did when he first became homeless.

Reported 8 months ago by Mahesh

HOME is a HUMAN RIGHT

"What a way to live! Under a big cloud of uncertainty and in substandard living conditions which are having a terrible effect on people’s mental and physical health and wellbeing," says Karen in her piece highlighting how housing is more than bricks and mortar

Reported 8 months ago by Karen

Manchester

What is Gained

"Writing is a cathartic process for me – it helps me to organise my thoughts and feelings, it helps me to box things off in my head, it helps me to recalibrate and move on. I often don’t need to do those things when I’m up," writes Tess in this piece exploring identity whilst living with depression and a personality disorder

Reported 8 months ago by Tess

Manchester

I Love Books aka Why I Volunteer

"I spend half my weekends in a shop. I’m not spending money but I’m also not earning any," begins Tess in her report about why she volunteers

Reported 8 months ago by Tess

Manchester

Schizophrenia and Me

In this written report, Mark talks about his diagnosis of paranoid Schizophrenia and describes some of the stigma and discrimination he has faced because of it.

Reported 9 months ago by Mark

London

Labour Homelessness Campaign -Temporary Accommodation

In this piece written for the Labour Hub in 2022, Andrea shines some light on the chronic problem of temporary housing and the need for more homes to be built.

Reported 9 months ago by Andrea

Twickenham

Andrea Talks About Helping a Family from the Traveler Community with their Rent Arrears

In this report Listen Up reporter Andrea talks to Mat Amp about some of the work she is doing to help a family from the traveler community to maintain their tenancy and manage their debts.

Reported 9 months ago by Andrea

Richmond

Depression [verb]

"We all have times we are sick of everything. That if we could wave a magic wand and make things disappear, we would. That makes us want to scream fuck off to the world and get some peace to allow us to focus on what matters to us. The trouble is, some of us are already carrying so much that we don’t have the mental space to be able to take on anything else. So, when that crunch moment comes and we want to wave that wand, we instead want to go to sleep and never wake up."

Reported 9 months ago by Tess

Manchester

Emotions for our Future – Charisma

"I believe that if groups and organisations in the fight against homelessness find confident people that are driven by causes and beliefs that align with that mission, then more can be achieved in the battle."

Reported 9 months ago by John

Coventry

Emotions for our Future – Empathy

"If more people were empathetic, then they would most likely act against most of the injustices that they see take place in front of their eyes, in their own communities."

Reported 9 months ago by John

Coventry

Education is Empowerment

"It can completely change a society as it gives people the knowledge to find solutions to their problems. It allows them to be more self-aware about themselves, their environment, and the functionalities of the world. To put it simply, it provides an opportunity for change."

Reported 9 months ago by John

Coventry

The Importance of Family Structure

"The family unit is a foundational element in an individual's life, providing emotional support, a sense of belonging, and a framework for personal and social development."

Reported 9 months ago by John

Coventry

The Trauma of Coventry

"The deindustrialisation of the city most certainly affected entire families and communities, having their entire way of lives changed based on an economic plan that did not include them."

Reported 9 months ago by John

Coventry

Karen Reports: Kwaku’s Story

Karen interviews fellow reporter Kwaku about leaving Ghana, the role his sexuality had in the decision and his experiences since being in England

Reported 9 months ago by Kwaku

Brave New World

In this report a reporter who chooses to remain anonymous [Anon 1] talks about the DWP applying for frightening new invasive powers to snoop on claimants in order to counter fraud and the nature of the reporting on this issue from online news outlets.

Reported 9 months ago by Anon 1

London

A Universal Homeless Charter – What is Out There Right Now?

In this piece Mat Amp continues his series on the case for the introduction of a universal homeless charter by looking at a few examples of the different guidelines that are out there.

Reported 9 months ago by Mat

London

Some Distant Voices?

Drawing on first hand experience and in Y.C.G's signature style, the report describes the challenges and feelings involved when navigating the UK's housing system. Y.C.G also emphasises the urgent need for this system to work for everyone.

Reported 9 months ago by Y.C.G.

London

The Different Types of Homelessness

There are many types of homelessness, lets explore them

Reported 9 months ago by John

Coventry

The Bright Students of Coventry

If we can house students, why can't we house everyone?

Reported 9 months ago by John

Coventry

New Year, New Cycle

Today I am here to remind you to rejoice. The new year has come, a new cycle has come with it, and with it, new responsibilities.

Reported 9 months ago by John

Coventry

The Curse of Supported Accommodation (part 2)

"Through the trials and tribulations of being in “supported accommodation,” through all the having to hold myself back due to housing benefits claims and cost of rent charges (£300-odd pound a week if working), this is where it’s ended up."

Reported 9 months ago by TJ

Birmingham

National Squirrel Day

"Awareness is vital for many things, but highlighting something for 24 hours doesn't exactly support real changes needed, does it?"

Reported 10 months ago by Miles

York

Illegally evicted and the finale [Part 17]

Andrea reflects on a frustrating few months in the final report of her real-time illegal eviction series.

Reported 10 months ago by Andrea

London

The True Leaders in York

"My message to businesses, government, commissioners, funders, statutory services and general society... you have untapped genius amongst your community - your task, if you choose to accept it - find them before they find you out."

Reported 10 months ago by Miles

York

A Tale of Two Xmas Cities

"So next time you visit York, remember this place immediately next to the train station, maybe you could stop, reflect, then show an act of kindness if you want to."

Reported 10 months ago by Miles

York

Christmas Spirit

"Settle back to your bed, (sorry bench), we know your sort, that's why we have security on the door, and anyway, we've phoned the police cos you’re creating a disturbance for our shoppers with your anti-social behaviour."

Reported 10 months ago by Miles

York

Stigma

Through the means of poetry, Shift explores the topic of stigma.

Reported 10 months ago by Shift

Brighton and Hove

The Common Ambition Project and Our Big Hub Idea

In this written report, Shift explores the Brighton and Hove Common Ambition project's mission to improve the access to and delivery of health services for people experiencing homelessness in the city. It asks the all important questions about communication, trust and quality of health care.

Reported 10 months ago by Shift

Brighton and Hove

An Epiphany

After being approached on the train by someone asking for money, Mark explores his thoughts on human survival, personal battles and extending kindness.

Reported 10 months ago by Mark

London

Human Rights, Human Wrongs

Using a creative style of writing, Y.C.G explores the complexities of human Rights, human nature, spirituality and society.

Reported 10 months ago by Y.C.G.

London

We Reporters

We Three Kings never seemed so relevant as in this recent take by Miles

Reported 10 months ago by Miles

Deck the Halls

Miles brings the Christmas carol Deck the Halls up to date with added political meaning...

Reported 10 months ago by Miles

York

‘First they came for The Tents’

In this powerfully written report, Denise explores her thoughts on the recent news that council workers destroyed tents belonging to those rough sleeping.

Reported 10 months ago by Denise

The Curse of Supported Accommodation (part 1)

In the first of a series about supported accommodation, TJ introduces us to the predicament people find themselves in when they are initially offered support

Reported 10 months ago by TJ

Birmingham

Illegally Evicted and Never Ending Circles [Part 16]

In this report, part of an ongoing real-time series focusing on her recent experience of being illegally evicted, Andrea writes about a lack of constructive help when it comes to finding a new place to live.

Reported 10 months ago by Andrea

London

Renting is Hard

Tess describes her recent experience of navigating the private rental sector and the impact it has taken on her mental health

Reported 10 months ago by Tess

Manchester

The Cost of Helping

"Something really needs to be done to support the smaller groups of ordinary nine to five people that are making more of dent in the homeless crisis than any politician."

Reported 10 months ago by TJ

Birmingham

Illegally Evicted and Family support [Part 15]

In this report, part of a real time series in which Andrea talks about dealing with an illegal eviction, Andrea considers the importance of the support she has received from family and friends and wonders where she would be without it

Reported 10 months ago by Andrea

London

Illegally evicted and counselling   [Part 14]

In this report Andrea writes about her experience of seeking counselling to help deal with the depression caused by being illegally evicted.

Reported 10 months ago by Andrea

London

Illegally evicted and some joy at last  [part 13]

Andrea continues to report in real time on her experience getting illegally evicted, trying to get her belongings back from her previous address and battling to find a new place to live.

Reported 11 months ago by Andrea

London

Illegally Evicted and More Drama  [Part 12]

In this report Andrea continues to talk about her recent experience getting illegally evicted and her struggle to find a new place to live.

Reported 11 months ago by Andrea

London

Illegally Evicted and Disaster Strikes [part 11]

In this report Andrea continues to report on being made illegally homeless and her battle to find somewhere new to live.

Reported 11 months ago by Andrea

London

Lifestyle choice part 2

In this report Charlie continues talking about the ridiculous idea that homelessness is a lifestyle choice. Please read Lifestyle Choice Part 1 before reading this.

Reported 11 months ago by Charlie

Winchester

Illegally evicted and emotionally wrecked [Part 10]

In this series reported in real time, Andrea talks about her experience of getting Illegally evicted and her battle to get rehoused.

Reported 11 months ago by Andrea

London

Recovery and Self Belief

In this report Mat talks about the need for a little belief in launching a sustainable recovery.

Reported 11 months ago by Mat

London

Lifestyle Choice Part 1

In this report Charlie talks about Braverman's recent comment about homelessness being a lifestyle choice. This is the first part of a two part report.

Reported 11 months ago by Charlie

Winchester

Illegally Evicted and Drama with the Form  [Eviction Series Pt 9]

In this piece Andrea continues to talk about dealing with her recent eviction. This is the 9th instalment in the series. Please check out the rest,.

Reported 11 months ago by Andrea

London

Illegally Evicted and Closer to the Room (Eviction series, part 8)

This is the 8th piece in Andrea's Eviction Series. She talks about dealing with a sudden unexpected eviction and trying to find somewhere else to live.

Reported 11 months ago by Andrea

London

The Cost of Living Crisis in Coventry

Hello everyone, its John Chiko again. I will be focusing on the cost of living crisis and its effect on Coventry and its people.

Reported 11 months ago by John

Coventry

Illegally Evicted and Back to Square One (Eviction series, part 7)  

This basically means that landlords in England can get away with chucking you out and leaving you homeless, without giving you access to your belongings. 

Reported 11 months ago by Andrea

London

To Love is To Care 

Let me introduce myself. My name is John Chikondewa Mpaso, however most people call me either “John “or “Chiko”

Reported 11 months ago by John

Coventry

Illegally Evicted and back to the Council (Eviction series, part 6) 

You get signposted to organisations that don't have the capacity to support you, so they signpost you to the services that you have been rejected from.

Reported 11 months ago by Andrea

London

Illegally Evicted and my Belongings (Eviction series, part 5) 

I guess I'm just used to dealing with madness now and getting on with it without the need to harm myself.

Reported 11 months ago by Andrea

London

Illegally Evicted and the Police (Eviction series, part 4) 

I am feeling positive that this will now be resolved even if it takes longer than expected. I don't know what will come of this, but I just want my stuff back and to move on from this experience which has been dragging on longer than needed by a rogue landlord that thinks they're above the law.

Reported 11 months ago by Andrea

Richmond

Illegally Evicted and the Madness [Eviction Series Part 3]

I understand there is a lack of funding for services, but the lack of communication is really testing my patience and I'm starting to feel low. I'm now having to ask to stay at my friend's for longer than planned and becoming really resentful towards being on Universal Credit. 

Reported 11 months ago by Andrea

Richmond

So This Is A Choice Is It?

In this report, Karen responds to the comments made by Suella Braverman, Home Secretary, that many people sleeping rough are doing so as a lifestyle choice.

Reported 11 months ago by Karen

Manchester

‘Like camping’

To keep her spirits up, and to try and stay optimistic, she would tell herself on bad days that it was "just like camping”. We both knew that it wasn’t... ”Like camping” didn’t even come close to how she was living.

Reported 11 months ago by Denise

Illegally Evicted and Navigating Councils (Eviction series, part 2) 

You can follow all the correct policies and procedures and still not get anywhere with getting housed. I have had no support with interim temporary accommodation and now have to rely on friends for somewhere to stay. I'm literally beyond fuming and helpless in the situation as I don't know what action I can take and who will be baring the cost. 

Reported 11 months ago by Andrea

Twickenham

Illegally Evicted and Free (Eviction series, part 1) 

The impact illegal evictions can have on people is not widely discussed. So here are my thoughts as I'm going through this. 

Reported 11 months ago by Andrea

Richmond

What has Listen Up done for Me

The Listen Up! project has given me belonging, creative outlet, learning opportunities, participation opportunities and feeling of safety and appreciation. I am really grateful and feel fortunate to be part of this project that has become an important part of my life.

Reported 11 months ago by Anon 1

London

‘Poor Life Choices’

I've never been a fan of labels... especially the really judgy ones. "He’s a crackhead” or “She’s an alchy”, for example, are in my top three, but “Well, they make poor life choices...” is right up there, topping the charts for me. .. especially if we break that sentence down; like with this picture here.

Reported 11 months ago by Denise

The Plan to Abolish the Working Capability Assessment

But the government are doing away with them, and it is going to cause absolute havoc and poverty and distress. And it's going to cost lives. There's no two ways about it. It's going to cost lives.

Reported 12 months ago by Charlie

Winchester

Do we need a volunteer charter? Some Background…

It is difficult to argue against the assertion that homeless services have improved over the past 20 years, especially when it comes to valuing the voice of people with experience of homelessness. For so long, that top down, hand out, pity-driven brand of charity would frame those people experiencing homelessness as wretched and helpless.  

Reported 12 months ago by Mat

London

Andrea/John [Part 2] Andrea gives some advice on working together

That's how you go about these things. You have to do it collectively

Reported 12 months ago by Andrea

London

Life, Loss and Johnny Concrete, Bethany

And yet, in the blink of an eye, it can all be taken away. I write from experience, and as if it had happened yesterday, I can remember exactly when my entire life was ripped apart. 

Reported 12 months ago by Aaron

Bolton

Kwaku interviews Steve on his experiences of seeking asylum in the UK

Kwaku Appiah, a Listen Up! Reporter, interviews Steve. Steve talks about his experiences of seeking asylum in the UK and explains to Kwaku how he left Cameroon because of his sexuality.      Steve talks about being part of supportive groups and communities and highlights the importance that LGBTQI+ welcoming spaces for asylum seekers has had for him. Steve reflects with Kwaku on the challenges he has faced in navigating the Home Office system and talks about his hopes for the future, in particular his interest in studying communication and media. 

Reported 12 months ago by Kwaku

Being Homeless Totally Sucks, Hopefully the Next Government will be More Sympathetic

Hopefully, the increasing numbers of people at risk of homelessness will help lobby the government to offer a more sympathetic ear and make finding a safe place to call our own a much easier process.  Hell, living in a homeless hostel for years is not acceptable.   After all, isn’t having a stable and safe place to live one of the cornerstones of the Universal Declarations of Human Rights? 

Reported 12 months ago by Mark

A Visit to A&E

My recent visit to A&E was a real eye opener and validated my belief that mental health is at crisis point. Never have I witnessed so many distraught, desperate, poorly people.

Reported 12 months ago by Karen

Manchester

John interviewed by Andrea about his experience in the U.K

Because you can tell a lot of the service users are very isolated, very isolated. A lot of people that face a lot of difficulties in terms of integrating one way or another, it really wears them down.

Reported 12 months ago by Andrea

Coventry

Progression not Regression

The fear still lingers in my own flesh And bones, worrying, what is next? Who knows, nobody knows. My negativity governs over me. Positivity. Adopting a P.M.A, Positive Mental Attitude to everything, you must be joking?

Reported 12 months ago by Y.C.G.

London

I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll…

Today I pulled out of a book launch. It sounded nice as well; welcome drinks, canapés, a captivated audience. I might even have sold some books… You see I wasn't attending this as a guest or as a reporter… this was my book launch. For me. My name's Denise and amongst other fun mental health related stuff, I have complex PTSD.

Reported 1 year ago by Denise

My life is mine, not yours

A superpower? Recovery, people, places. Things. Friends, SCT. Groundswell. Hope, experiences, strength. Another life, another story.

Reported 1 year ago by Y.C.G.

Healing the Past

And yet, even now, writing this, I feel a huge weight is being lifted as I drop the chains dragging me to the past and I exorcise the demon that’s been tearing at my soul for decades...Much love to you all

Reported 1 year ago by Aaron

Bolton

Celebrating World Mental Health Day (10th October 2023)

In my opinion, it is all about achieving the small things in your own sweet time. No point in dragging the horse to water if he doesn’t want to drink, but it must realize that pool of water is there. In the meantime, let’s celebrate our achievements, no matter how small we think they are, now with our peers across the world on the 10th of October 2023, on World Mental Heath Day. 

Reported 1 year ago by Mark

These Streets…The house that Jack built.

This is Jack. He's 26 years old and he sleeps in a bus stop. Now I don't know about you, but I think that there's something very, very wrong when you're 26 and sleeping in a bus stop..."The House That Jack Built" is what happened when I met Jack.

Reported 1 year ago by Denise

‘Home’ a tiny true story…

You look at all the homeless people sleeping on benches or in shop doorways on cardboard, and think to yourself "Thank God that that will never be me"...I know; I get it...because I used to think that too... "Home"...an award-winning, tiny true story.

Reported 1 year ago by Denise

Tell Me A Bit About Yourself

Tess tries to make sense of identity and self through the lens of mental illness and aliens

Reported 1 year ago by Tess

Manchester

Off the Wrag

They are going to have that peace of mind taken away from them when this benefit is abolished as they are going to have to search for work straight away.They are going to lose money and they are going to be forced into conditions where they may be mentally incapable of coping.   

Reported 1 year ago by Charlie

Winchester

Fighting the narrow perception of homelessness

By focusing on stereotypes in this way we exclude certain other groups and individuals, and we fail to see how homelessness impacts as it does many different individual people with their own stories.

Reported 1 year ago by Mat

London

The potential anxiety of Government’s welfare reforms

In my opinion, many of the people I am talking about won't be able to deal with the stress and demands of regular job searches and are going to end up being sanctioned as a result. It is going to be so disruptive, just to save a bit of money in the short term.

Reported 1 year ago by Charlie

Winchester

Getting into Therapy as a Recovering Alcoholic 

I ended up doing 12 sessions of CBT and it has changed my life for the better. 

Reported 1 year ago by Andrea

London

Soul Service

One of the things I do outside of my reports for Listen Up at Groundswell is helping to run an afternoon cafe, once a week, in an established setting, which also provides daily breakfast for those experiencing homelessness, social exclusion and loneliness.

Reported 1 year ago by Miles

York

PIP or POP – The Verdict Is In

So, it's a couple of weeks since my last report was posted on Listen Up and I have hot off the press news, from DWP/PIP… he/she/they say..........

Reported 1 year ago by Miles

York

Robbing Peter to Pay Paul

"...When we borrow money, it needs paying back. We start robbing Peter to pay Paul and there starts the downward spiral..."

Reported 1 year ago by Karen

Manchester

An Hour At A Time

"A day was like a lifetime in early recovery: it seemed so unachievable. An hour on the other hand felt kinder."

Reported 1 year ago by Karen

Manchester

Preventing Suicide

What could have prevented me from trying to end my life? Content warning - this report is about suicide

Reported 1 year ago by Tess

Manchester

We Need to Listen

In my opinion it is time we looked, and looked hard, at the type of progressive services that offer in-house counselling, so that others like them can be set up across the country. 

Reported 1 year ago by Mat

London

Freedom to Work on Myself

Tess writes about her fears, unemployment benefits and the future

Reported 1 year ago by Tess

Manchester

PIP or POP – Assessment Torture

"I've been helping someone with their ongoing PIP renewal applications. We wanted to say how pressured it's been, is, and more importantly, could be."

Reported 1 year ago by Miles

York

The Ongoing Cost of Living Crisis   

The cost of living should have been focused on ten years ago, and on, right on to this present day. It's only because a larger part of the population is now affected that it has become such a point, and something is finally being done about it. 

Reported 1 year ago by Charlie

Winchester

Grief or Loss -My Take

Grief. It's such a sensitive subject, there's no rights or wrongs in how to live with it- can you, can it pass, will it ever pass. Bigger and better people might think they have answers, I don't. 

Reported 1 year ago by Miles

York

Can You Grieve Twice For One Person?

Am I already grieving for my dad even though he's still living? I'm looking at him now and I see life draining away from him, day by day he's deteriorating, becoming the shadow of the man he used to be.

Reported 1 year ago by Karen

Manchester

The Age of Exclusion (Digital Revolution)

The digital revolution, in my opinion, needs to be a lot more controlled in the sense of equal rights surrounding access to internet and devices. It could be a really good way of benefitting mankind as a whole, but we need the government to realise and remember those less fortunate and those that are financially struggling.

Reported 1 year ago by TJ

Birmingham

My Bench

A poem about how we all need parks, no matter who we are and why

Reported 1 year ago by Karen

Manchester

The Trials of Digital Exclusion

"What happens if you haven't got a son like mine, a phone, wi-fi, the mental capacity or the patience? Where do these people get help to complete forms that are so long winded and repetitive?"

Reported 1 year ago by Karen

Manchester

Loss of Digital Access through Libraries

For a start a lot of libraries now aren't called libraries anymore, they are called Discovery Centres and so they are trying to discourage homeless people from going into them, which is wrong because it has always been a safe haven for homeless people.

Reported 1 year ago by Charlie

Winchester

Loneliness & Isolation

"Addiction/mental health created that void, that hole in my soul... This was a very lonely time in my life, very dark and self-loathing."

Reported 1 year ago by Karen

Manchester

Digital Learning through cafes

So these places should also open up and provide someone who is technologically savvy and teaches people how to work on the tablets, and teach people what to do when they get in to problems.

Reported 1 year ago by Charlie

Winchester

The Need for a Volunteer Charter [part 2]

They should have a path built into take them up to where they can go, whether that is going back into the work place or reaching the highest limits that they can, whether it be permitted work or even just staying on the dole

Reported 1 year ago by Charlie

Winchester

The Coronation is a Waste of Money

Let's have it right, that's what it is. It's hypocrisy backed by the ideological state apparatus which in this country is a huge fucking machine and people are falling for it left, right and centre.

Reported 1 year ago by Steve

London

Homeless Communities

When we think about the experience of being homeless, we often think about isolation and loneliness but there are different and powerful communities that people with experience of homelessness can be part of.  

Reported 1 year ago by Mat

London

Ten Years

"Ten years is only significant because part of me has decided it should be." Tess reflects on whether it means anything to have survived the last ten years and the significance of joy

Reported 1 year ago by Tess

Manchester

Karen Reports: The Wellspring

Karen returns with another film - this time spotlighting The Wellspring project in Stockport.

Reported 1 year ago by Karen

Stockport

Karen Interviewed

Listen Up! have been fortunate to build a relationship with Homeless Diamonds – an arts magazine which compiles writing and art by people associated with St Mungo's. The latest issue featured an interview between Reporter Karen and Project Officer Tess. You can read the full interview here.

Reported 1 year ago by Tess

Manchester

My Struggle with Technology

The world seems to have gone crazy. Everything including booking NHS appointment or dealing with benefits or the council rent account requires access to internet and the ability to use it.

Reported 1 year ago by Anon 1

London

Mat Goes Home

Reported 1 year ago by Mat

London

The Day the Prince Came to Chat

How did Miles come to chat to a prince? Find out about his experience here

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

Red Nose Day

Yeah, I really, really love doing this kind of stuff. So honestly, I would just feel better if I had more opportunities like this. That's it.

Reported 2 years ago by Nawshin

London

Is Any Roof Better Than No Roof?

"Being homeless really is sometimes a bad catch 22 and it’s not always the rough sleeper's fault."

Reported 2 years ago by TJ

Birmingham

People Say Money is the Route of All Evil

"People say money is the route of all evil, in most cases I’d agree but I’ve come to realise over the past month or so that a close contender for the route of all evil is emotions."

Reported 2 years ago by TJ

Birmingham

Pets Are All The Reasons

"Cats, dogs and other kinds of other animals, are there when other humans aren’t; they love unconditionally; they are friends, family and hope all rolled into one and all they ask in return is kindness."

Reported 2 years ago by Tess

Manchester

Prince William Podcast

Prince William in conversation with Groundswell volunteer reporters Miles and Nawshin on their ‘Listen Up! podcast

Reported 2 years ago by Tess

London

Any Roof Experience

Miles reports on his experience of applying for a property and the decisions he had to make along the way

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

Council Tax Farce

"the people on the lowest incomes seem to be penalised the most and that's what I've been - I've been punished"

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Red Nose Day

All in all it seems to me that this collaboration with the BBC and Comic Relief was an incredibly positive experience for all who took part.  

Reported 2 years ago by Mat

London

Eviction

"This is just one incident of how someone can be evicted through no fault of their own and how the system has failed them."

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Nuisance Beggars

"Just been reading an article about how the Prime Minister is to launch a crackdown on nuisance beggars causing public distress. It's saying that the police and local authorities will get added powers to target these people deemed to be causing public distress."

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Karen Reports: Made in Manchester

Karen speaks to Claire about her experiences of rough sleeping in Manchester in a follow up to her previous film. Content warning:  this film speaks of a sexual assault

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

This Project is Evolving

The strength of it has always been with the first hand reports and it seems to be carrying on that way.

Reported 2 years ago by Mat

London

Skills for life

For me, I was so mired in shame when I started working for Groundswell, that I was almost unable to make a decision without deferring to my boss.

Reported 2 years ago by Mat

London

Net Access, Gross Benefit

Access to the net can help people as they struggle to recover and rebuild their lives and break the cycle of homelessness. It does this by providing information and support through a remote connection to others, support that comes in the form of both practical advice and human emotional support. 

Reported 2 years ago by Mat

London

My Erasmus Experience

Groundswell are currently working with partner organisations from Ireland, Italy and Hungary, on an Erasmus+ funded project. In this report Karen reflects on her experience of visiting partners in Budapest to learn from their work.

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Do You Feel Heard?

Charlie, Nawshin and Miles tell how it feels to be and not to be heard in this Listen Up! animation

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

London

I Have Nightmares, Do You?

I sometimes feel very juvenile when I tell people I have nightmares, but everyone I’ve spoken to about nightmares says they have them too. Why don’t we talk about them? What are we afraid of?

Reported 2 years ago by Tess

Manchester

My Budapest Experience

Groundswell are currently working with partner organisations from Ireland, Italy and Hungary, on an Erasmus+ funded project which focuses on sharing learning on how best to support older people experiencing homelessness. In this report Miles reflects on his experience of visiting partners in Budapest to learn from their work.

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

Vouchers and Stigma

And the real nub of this is when this person couldn't use this to buy the food they were almost dreaming of at that point because they didn't have any other money and they were hungry and they were told to just put it on their credit card or pay through some other way or means.

Reported 2 years ago by Mat

London

Doorway To A Dark Place

When you stand in a shop doorway what do you see? In my experience a shop doorway is the home of invisibility, pain, suffering and longing.

Reported 2 years ago by TJ

Birmingham

Digital Inclusion with Janet and John

Janet feels that every time she goes for help people talk down to her and patronise her (the current tutor John is not like this at all). She goes to charities who get funding who offer her help, but the sessions aren’t what she wants. Worse, they aren’t frequent enough, and she constantly hears the word confidence, or it’s implied lack, which is in some way her fault.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Brighton

What HHPA training has done for me

I've been doing HPAA work, Homeless Health Peer Advocacy. And yeah, I have to say, I find it really rewarding, you know, for a few reasons.

Reported 2 years ago by Steve

London

The Need for a Volunteer Charter

So I believe there should be a charter for volunteers, because I believe that this is a section that is exploited. They are cheap and easily disposable

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Winchester

Trauma

What do you do when you are told by a psychologist that you likely have PTSD from your homelessness?

Reported 2 years ago by Tess

Stoke-on-Trent

Volunteer

I really enjoy being able to give my time freely it is so rewarding and gives me a sense of purpose. Once I got into recovery and sorted my life out I knew I wanted to be a volunteer and give a little bit back to society because I received so much help when I was at my lowest.

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Karen Reports: Claire’s Story

Karen interviews Claire about her experiences of homeless and the importance of home

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Allow Your Voice to be Heard

I don't ask if someone can or can't do something. Ask yourself how it can be done and then allow your voice to be heard. 

Reported 2 years ago by Aaron

Bolton

Mental Health and Addiction are Symptoms

At the end of the day it is all about the cause. It not about whether it’s mental health, whether it’s drink or whether its gambling, it’s about what caused the issues in the first place – what was it at the start that made your mentality turn that way in the beginning.

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Winchester

Why I don’t want to work in addiction services

I don't want to work in recovery at the moment because I don't want to have a job just for being an ex addict and then being known with my employers as an ex addict.

Reported 2 years ago by Sheryle

London

Temporary Accommodation, Temporary Respite

Personally my experience of TA, was of a world difficult to access, It's wildness pummeled me, not so much mentally, as spiritually, punishing me, depressing the natural bonvivantness of my life, my joie de vivre generally. 

Reported 2 years ago by Mahesh

London

Lets Get A Football Ground

A borough councils football club had an outdated football ground and were facing going into administration. The local council had the bright idea to give them £10.25m loan to buy a plot of land next to the stadium and bring the team out of administration. The money literally vanished and no work or improvements were carried out.

Reported 2 years ago by TJ

Birmingham

Duty of Care pt 2

There are so many factors in both part one and part two of my article that contribute to the lack of duty of care. It’s my personal opinion that something really needs to be done about the lack of duty of care. This opinion is open to discussion though as it’s a key factor in people getting out of homelessness back into a normal sustainable life.

Reported 2 years ago by TJ

Birmingham

Duty of Care pt 1

Despite being a "legal requirement" for all service providers that deal with vulnerable or troubled people "duty of care", is a phrase that gets thrown around by the majority of "support and wellbeing services" to make themselves sound good on paper or sound good theoretically.

Reported 2 years ago by TJ

Birmingham

Everybody Needs Somebody

"..the paramedic got there and said I couldn’t have done anything better and that I probably saved his life..."

Reported 2 years ago by TJ

Birmingham

Little Benefit to Benefits

I believe the benefits system should keep volunteers on full benefits plus pay you extra when you do these volunteering jobs. This would help to build up your confidence give you that takes the pressure away from being unemployed, being on the breadline.

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Winchester

Listen Up! Podcast: Is it possible to fully recover? With Nel and Miles

In this podcast, Nel and Miles share their experiences of addiction, recovery, mental health and homelessness giving hope to others and sharing what helped them get through.

Reported 2 years ago by Tess

London

Listen Up! Podcast: Is it possible to fully recovery? With Mat and Mahesh

In this podcast, Mat and Mahesh share their experiences of addiction, recovery, mental health and homelessness giving hope to others and sharing what helped them get through.

Reported 2 years ago by Tess

London

Listen Up! Podcast: Is it possible to fully recover? With Karen and Laura

In this podcast, Karen and Laura share their experiences of recovery, addiction, mental health and homelessness giving hope to others and sharing what helped them get through.

Reported 2 years ago by Tess

Manchester

Volunteering, a Bridge to Work

Or if you get a job, you get to the factory, the shop, the office building or whatever it is, and you just can't cross the threshold because of that fear, that pure fear of failure.

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Winchester

Where have the dry houses gone?

Dry houses offer the opportunity for residents to access counselling, benefits, housing advice and help in looking for employment. This can be especially helpful when people are fresh out of rehab and prone to relapse.

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Winchester

A Year with Groundswell

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

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Let’s Pull Together and Prove Them Wrong

When the government lets us down and the powers that be ignore us, when the rich and privileged turn a blind eye to the dire and squalid lives that many have to endure. When all of this seems so overwhelming and pointless, when any hope or vision of an easier better life is out of reach. The Community Spirit always finds a way to shine through, to make someone's struggle a little lighter and, yes, I know it's only a sticking plaster but it's better than nothing isn't it?

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Karen Reports: Andrew’s Story

Karen interviews Andrew about his experiences of homelessness and recovery

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Stockport

The Cost of Mental Health

There is plenty of proof out there to show that mental health problems can seriously exacerbate physical illness, affecting outcomes and the cost of treatment.

Reported 2 years ago by Mat

London

Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

So now when I'm asked the question is my glass half empty or half full, my reply is simply this "I need a bigger glass!"

Reported 2 years ago by Aaron

Bolton

Temporary Accommodation [Part 2]

During this time the staff never stopped helping me with whatever i needed, they respected my long-term health issues and helped me to find a suitable property and assisted me in attending all viewings.

Reported 2 years ago by Aaron

Bolton

Temporary Accommodation [Part 1]

I wasn’t given an explanation and though they didn’t say the words I felt like I was being told I didn’t belong here and to just fuck off! Anger, disappointment, upset, sadness, despair, shock and above all – overwhelming loneliness,

Reported 2 years ago by Aaron

Bolton

12 Days of Reporting

On the 12th day of Xmas Groundswell posed to me..

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

The Real Meaning and Reality of Christmas

There are two sides of Christmas - the meaning and the reality

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

An Alcoholics Christmas

Alcohol is the only drug I know that you have to make excuses why you don't want it.

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

12 States of Housing

On the 12th day of Xmas, Groundswell posed to me...

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

This Is What Addiction Is All About

My friend died today. And. Yeah. Just wanted to talk about it really.

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Recovery is a Journey

Recovery is often a journey. It took me quite a while to learn that. But once I did my perception of life changed forever  and I was able to begin to heal. 

Reported 2 years ago by Aaron

Bolton

What does recovery mean to me?

I am still healing, or recovering if you wish. I’ve allowed my perceptions to change, it’s allowed me to seek help from other sources, sources I never would’ve even considered before

Reported 2 years ago by Aaron

Bolton

Food is our Fuel

But spare a thought for those that do not have a choice. For those that are sleeping rough, food is their fuel! 

Reported 2 years ago by Aaron

Bolton

Do You Feel Heard? – Nel’s Story

This short animation describes the barriers that reporter Nel has faced accessing healthcare as a woman experiencing homelessness

Reported 2 years ago by Nawshin

London

Do You Feel Heard? – Miles’ Story

In this short animation, Miles describes the realities of trying to navigate healthcare as a person in recovery with few choices and little time

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

Do You Feel Heard? – Charlie’s Story

This animation describes the barriers that Charlie experienced as a parent in supported accommodation with mental health issues.

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Winchester

Cost of Living

And the main thing we're trying to save our money for is to pay for the heating bill... I've never seen the cupboards looking so bare

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

A Bitter Taste of Longing

My eyes sting from the bitter tears that fall silently down my cheeks and my stomach growls painfully in anticipation of a meal that is beyond my means.

Reported 2 years ago by Aaron

Bolton

Temporary Accommodation

it’s just not right that people existing in our professed compassionate society are forced into soulless, desperate places to sleep

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

Molar Misery

So, my health journey continues with my trip today to the teeth police, or dentists to be more polite

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

“The past would let go of me…”

I wondered if feeling this way was worth it to get help – should the process to find treatment make me feel so vulnerable?

Reported 2 years ago by Tess

Manchester

Dr Doctor

 Whilst this option may offer a modicum of convenience for some people, it wouldn’t be the best option for me. When i see my GP face to face, i feel like I am valued as a person and I’m actually being listened to with care and attention, that I am not just another person on the conveyor belt of medical misery. 

Reported 2 years ago by Aaron

Bolton

Listen Up to the Positives

Now, in it’s current form, the project known as Listen Up! is primarily concerned with improving the provision of services by sharing reporters’ stories through the Listen Up! website. In addition the project is trying to change the way that the media reports on homelessness so that the public views those with experience of homelessness with humanity and understanding rather than judgement and pity

Reported 2 years ago by Mat

London

Discussions About Homelessness

Why do people stereotype and judge the less fortunate? Why do they assume that "homeless" only refers to those living on the streets and that alcohol and drugs are the root cause?

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

A refund too far…?

I couldn’t believe it. Who are they to tell me what to do with what is essentially MY money and not theirs? Not to mention the utterly condescending way the message was delivered.

Reported 2 years ago by Aaron

Bolton

What Difference Do Social Connections Make?

When we are unsure, we seek the familiar

Reported 2 years ago by Tess

Stoke-on-Trent

As Fate Would Have It

my  problem was with trying to register with a GP or a Dentist. I tried for months but nowhere would register me.  My health issues are severe and i need very thorough and regular health check ups as a side effect of previous treatments I had undergone. My frustration grew with every attempt at a different surgery when I would once again be told that I couldn’t register quite simply because I didn’t have a permanent address!

Reported 2 years ago by Aaron

Bolton

Some Addicts Don’t Recover

We didn't think we were harming anyone at the time but, in reality, we were dragging the entire family through our addiction.

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

How my cats kept me sane during difficult times

. But now the colony kitties were giving me respite and I was eventually able to take in my house cats. This was really helpful to all of us. Then we finally moved again, this time into a place that is more suitable for my house cats and I can even take my male kitty outside for walks. This mean a lot to us all. The kitty loves his outings and I enjoy going for walks with him especially on nice sunny days. 

Reported 2 years ago by Anon 1

London

How Ironic

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Fraudulent Recovery

Truth is I’ve been feeling like a bit of a fraud. I try to picture myself how others would see me, and I worry that if I break the illusion that I’m “recovered” then it will somehow affect the way people relate to me or they will reject what I have to say.

Reported 2 years ago by Tess

Stoke-on-Trent

The Bad Behaviour Buffer

Cyclical homelessness comes from much the same sources as criminal recidivism, lack of fear of the consequences, and failure to escape the problems that got you into trouble in the first place. I suffer the same warped worldview of many other formerly homeless people. I don’t really understand the “real” world anymore.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Brighton

I Salute You

With deep respect and obeisance, I offer a salute to all humans and other sentient beings, who have suffered displacement in their lives due to politics, wars and or natural causes

Reported 2 years ago by Mahesh

London

Bubbling Magma.

The realisation that one is truly, physically homeless, almost immediately and with very little warning can leave you stunned.

Reported 2 years ago by Mahesh

London

“What Does Recovery Mean to You?”

September is recovery month, so I asked some friends, "What does recovery mean to you?" Here's what they said

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

I Took People as they Came

My old man gave me rule to go by, when I was young -- "you'll find good people and you'll find bad people, try an’ stick with the good people.”

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Winchester

Remote vs Face 2 Face

Now it’s remote, we are doing much better with covering the workload. I mean one of our contracts covers Hampshire, Dorset and bits of Surrey. When we were doing that face to face it was impossible to cover because of the travel times.  

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Winchester

Health Issues

Recognising that the degree of good health, mental and physical, differs for everyone, I personally would like, through my reportage to increase awareness of issues faced by those experiencing street homelessness.  I want to inform the general public and legal bodies, (overwhelmed as these bodies may be) so that they can better assist vulnerable people to acquire and sustain a less stressful, healthier and happier life. 

Reported 2 years ago by Mahesh

London

Choose Life

Choose Life, init. Choose life and move on. Forget about the drugs and think of it as doing something rather than denying yourself something. You are getting something new, something you want. Instead of saying  no over and over again, you are saying yes. Yes, to life.  

Reported 2 years ago by Mat

London

I Spent Over Three Years on the Floor

While I was sleeping on the floor...they knew my son was living there, they knew it was only a small little flat, and they knew that it was difficult. But I spent four and a half years sleeping on the floor, and I think this is because I was quiet.

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Winchester

Finally, That Day I Got My Flat Key

So, the day finally arrived, I'm nervous, excited and scared to unlock my new front door, it's happening...... finally

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

What Recovery Is or Isn’t (For Me)

I spent years lying.......to family, drugs and alcohol services, the GP's, the A&E staff and definitely MYSELF!

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

‘In Recovery’

I will always be recovering, I will never have this side of it boxed off.

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Recovery from Domestic Abuse

Please note: this article talks about domestic abuse

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Sometimes

Sometimes we can have a problem that feels embarrassing to admit.

Reported 2 years ago by Tess

Manchester

Advice from the Listen Up! Reporters

At August’s reporter meeting, we had an icebreaker of “what advice would you give to everyone here”. It was so good, we wanted to share our advice with everyone

Reported 2 years ago by Tess

London

Crime and Punishment

The police decided I should be classed as a criminal, something that would effect me for the rest of my life . 

Reported 2 years ago by Sheryle

London

Two Days in a Heatwave

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Hell is a Heatwave in a Bad Building

The atmosphere is muggy and there’s a sour smell in the flat, caused by the mice behind the cupboards and in the walls and by the rotting carpet.  The windows are sealed shut and haven’t been washed in years.

Reported 2 years ago by Maya Bly

London

When Disadvantages Become Advantageous

Deprivation has ended up benefitting me.  I’m realising this with a sense of guilt. I defied the odds and opportunities related to deprivation boosted me and have created a better life.

Reported 2 years ago by Tess

Manchester

Things Looking Up

Just remember that things will look brighter if you give it time to show itself to you

Reported 2 years ago by Laura

Manchester

Private Rental – Making it Harder for the Most Vulnerable

Can we truly say that someone on benefits who may be only getting £365 per month (UC) can afford to pay for the council tax, rent top up plus other things?

Reported 2 years ago by Laura

Manchester

Free and Riding: How it’s Helping

What do you think when someone says that they free, what do you think when people say they hitting the road?

Reported 2 years ago by Laura

Travel with Autism…

Many people don’t know that travelling with autism can be stressful for the person, family and others

Reported 2 years ago by Laura

Manchester

Class, Status, Money and Power

We are a nation obsessed with Class, Status, Money and Power

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Just Another Statistic

One of life's unfortunates that slipped through the net, It wasn't her fault she was just failed by the system

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

What Went Well?

17.07.2016

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Food Banks

Food banks are the first thing to show signs of a recession because the less money people have the less, they give to food banks

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Winchester

Levelling Up

Levelling up isn’t about getting everyone up to a decent standard of living it is political strap line and nothing more

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Winchester

Blooming Lovely

My gardening skills are basic but the enjoyment and peace I get from it is priceless

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Hey Life!

I didn't know the rules or understand And I sit here full of shame Why did you make my life so terribly hard?

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

My Mindset Dictates My Loneliness

For me loneliness is more of my state of mind rather than having people around me

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Omaze!

I got an email the other day inviting me to win a dream house for a tenner..

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

My Movie Role Today

I've just woken up, lived my dream through last night and I'm nervous what will the film be today...

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

What Went Right?

What went right? It’s such a simple question but quite difficult to answer.

Reported 2 years ago by Tess

Manchester

Support and Relationships

Support and relationships - these two words sum up how I finally emerged from my darkness that was homelessness and addiction after years of torment, desperation and shame. 

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

Privilege/Class

I'm a white man, dad to two lads, reasonably state educated, quietly spoken former bank manager so I guess perception and society would see me as privileged.

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

A Label Called ‘LIVED EXPERIENCE’

I prefer, and this is only mine, to use the phrase 'direct experience’ - its more accurate and defined. 

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

Recovery Gifts

I have people around me who understand my illness better, work with me on my behaviours, show me compassion when I still get things wrong, often, but they all say they're willing to continue because they see the effort and work I'm putting in to recover myself from darkness

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

Two Voices – Which One’s Right?

I live with two voices, one called 'temptation’, the other I refer to as 'magpie' and they both chat at every/any opportunity they get

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

My Health Impacted

My health, homelessness, and its physical impact on my body - wow there's a story I live with every day now.

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

What Went Well

I met Zoom people, in person today I have to say, was blown away

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

Two World’s Collide

The world of homelessness, rough sleeping, addiction, mental health, the world of harsh realities, personal experience, confrontation, belligerents, the fight to get your word over, indifference, uncompromising, directed, haphazard, anger, pragmatic, raw 

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Winchester

The Freedom to Speak

A normal journalist has seen it happen second hand but hasn’t felt it. We have been there and feel it and so that feeling is what makes our reports different from anything else. It’s what gives them their authenticity and impact. Sometimes you get the best people in the world talk about us, people with lived experience of homelessness, in a way that I call the third person syndrome.

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Where to get your net

It’s worth looking about at the moment for deals. Some projects were launched during the pandemic. It’s disappointing that it took a pandemic for some people to realise that people experiencing homelessness were in crisis long before Covid came along and will remain in Crisis long after we have learnt to live with the virus.  

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Winchester

This aint no cost of living crisis…it’s just plain ole fashioned greed

As I'm writing these facts and figures down, I'm scrolling through reports trying to find anything positive or the slightest glimpse of hope for the near future but sadly nothing. This makes me feel anxious, sad and sick to my stomach its a very bleak time.

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Food Banks at Breaking Point

Only the poorest and most vulnerable of us will suffer because of this...no change there then? 

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Stockport

Loneliness

Then in the same breath I can be the life and soul of the party, bursting with confidence and right in the centre of everything and the only thing that's changed is my mindset. For me the feeling of loneliness depends on how my mental health is. 

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

Finding Myself Once More

My volunteering opportunity with the Good Organisation allowed my creativity to come out and prosper

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

ISOLATED

Am I lonely, or am I sad My head keeps telling me I’m just bad

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

What is Home?

Everyone should have a home and feel safe and secure in it. We all deserve some love and happiness. 

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Stockport

Disconnection in the Age of Connectivity

I began to accept this new reality because I had become completely disconnected by this point. I had an extortionate pay as you go shitty ten quid burner phone that had the capacity to store no more than 10 40 word texts at a time. I had no access to the net by any means and the shame I felt at the situation I was in meant I stayed away from my real friends in the real world.  

Reported 2 years ago by Mat

London

Laura talks to Mat Amp about the issues she faced during lockdown

Laura I think it is pretty much the same for everybody it's just trying to get all the operations done, getting on to the treatment, getting to go for all your assessments, so it's thrown up a lot of issues for everyone in the trans community but what people don't realise is that the longer someone initially waits for treatment it's causing other mental health issues. 

Reported 2 years ago by Laura

Manchester

Make Them Aware

This is her Mental Health, her isolation, her anxiety, her loneliness, her worst nightmare.       

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Stockport

Loneliness, the scourge of the modern era.  The Poem

Notice that person at a party or function, who's there in the crowd, but strangely on their own They may not be the anti-social but instead they may be shy and finding it difficult to initiate communication. Shyness feeds loneliness because it traps you on an island that seems to be drifting away from the mainland all the time.  

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Winchester

Loneliness, the scourge of the modern era. 

I don't know about you, but some of the loneliest and most painful times I've had have been in a crowd. Yes, I have felt at my loneliest surrounded by a lot of people.  As I said this is about getting people to think on the subject of loneliness and to talk about it.  

Reported 2 years ago by Charlie

Winchester

How I was treated as an alcoholic patient

Looking back at the way I was treated, I didn't have any concerns regarding the medical procedures I received but the way I was treated as a person was demoralising at times.

Reported 2 years ago by Karen

Manchester

What it Means to Survive

This year will be my ninth Survivaversary. In many respects it seems like a lifetime ago – especially with the last year factored in. But there is still something in me that can’t move on. Part of me that feels ashamed of what I did.

Reported 2 years ago by Tess

Manchester

Addiction is a Mental Illness

I’ve eventually learned that addiction is a recognised mental illness that thrives on isolation and it gripped me so much over the years, going undiagnosed by numerous referrals for help with my depression and anxiety. I hid behind drink.

Reported 2 years ago by Miles

York

Vulnerability

One person’s ego broke another’s soul and