Our reports

Audio Stories Reports Video Stories

Goodbye for now…

What Listen Up! achieved over the last three years, how we did this, and why we have gone about it this way.

Reported 8 months ago by

(un)entitled.

A group project by Listen Up! community reporters about stigma

Reported 10 months ago by

Do You Feel Heard?

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

London

Listen Up! Podcast: Is it possible to fully recover? 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.

London

Reported 8 months ago by John

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 8 months ago by Karen

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

Manchester

Reported 8 months ago by Miles

My Beautiful Ending

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

York

Reported 8 months ago by Anon 1

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 8 months ago by AJ

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 8 months ago by Shift

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 8 months ago by Y.C.G.

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 8 months 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"

Coventry

Reported 8 months ago by Morshed

'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 8 months ago by Tess

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

Stoke-on-Trent

Reported 8 months ago by Tess

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 8 months ago by Morshed

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 9 months ago by Y.C.G.

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 10 months ago by Morshed

Experiencing Communities

Reported 10 months ago by Shift

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 10 months ago by John

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

Coventry

Reported 11 months ago by John

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

Coventry

Reported 11 months ago by Morshed

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 11 months ago by Mark

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.

London

Reported 11 months ago by John

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

Coventry

Reported 11 months ago by Mark

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.

London

Reported 12 months ago by Karen

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 1 year ago by Miles

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

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

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.

London

Reported 1 year ago by Karen

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."

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 1 year ago by TJ

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.

Birmingham

Am Feeling the Cold

A poem from B

Reported 1 year ago by

Reported 1 year ago by Charlie

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.

Winchester

Reported 1 year ago by Mark

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.

London

Reported 1 year ago by Karen

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.

Are our human rights being observed?

Manchester

London

Reported 1 year ago by Tess

Renting is Hard

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

Manchester

Reported 1 year ago by TJ

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."

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

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.

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.

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.

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,.

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.

London

The Cost of Living Crisis in Coventry

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.

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.

Richmond

Reported 2 years ago by Anon 1

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Bolton

Reported 2 years ago by Kwaku

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 2 years ago by Mark

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?

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.

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.

Coventry

Reported 2 years ago by Y.C.G.

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?

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 2 years ago by Y.C.G.

My life is mine, not yours

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

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

Bolton

Reported 2 years ago by Mark

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.

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.

‘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.

Tell Me A Bit About Yourself

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

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.

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.

London

The potential anxiety of Government’s welfare reforms

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?"

Blogs Microreports Reports

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.

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."

Manchester

Digital Learning through cafes

Manchester

Reported 2 years ago by Anon 1

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.

London

Mat Goes Home

London

The Day the Prince Came to Chat

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

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.

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.

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.

Manchester

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?

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.

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.

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.

Birmingham

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

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.

Brighton

Reported 2 years ago by Steve

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.

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

Winchester

Trauma

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

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.

Manchester

Karen Reports: Claire’s Story

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

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.

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.

Blogs Microreports Reports

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

Reported 2 years ago by Mahesh

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.

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.

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.

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.

Birmingham

Everybody Needs Somebody

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Winchester

Where have the dry houses gone?

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!

Blogs Reports Video Stories

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

Blogs Reports Video Stories

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

Blogs Reports Video Stories

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.

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

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.

Bolton

Temporary Accommodation

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

York

Molar Misery

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

York

Reported 3 years ago by Tess

“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?

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.

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

Manchester

Reported 3 years ago by Anon 1

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.

London

Manchester

Reported 3 years ago by Maya Bly

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.

London

Reported 3 years ago by Tess

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.

Manchester

Reported 3 years ago by Laura

Things Looking Up

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

Manchester

Reported 3 years ago by Laura

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?

Manchester

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

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.

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.

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.

Food Banks at Breaking Point

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

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.

Manchester

Finding Myself Once More

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

York

ISOLATED

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

York

What is Home?

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

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.

Manchester

Reported 3 years ago by Tess

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.

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.

York

Vulnerability

One person’s ego broke another’s soul and for what.

York

Reported 3 years ago by GG

How not to crack?

Embrace and hold tightly onto those things that lessen the hurt deep inside you. I like to cook in my pyjamas and sing loudly to Teddy Pendergrass, and I remember what my son used to love and my tears fall in to the bowl and I stir them in because that's my love, and I cook with love and I am love. I am not what they did to me or wrote about me or labelled me. Please say this out loud. You are so loved.

London

Reported 3 years ago by Mat

Connection and Connectivity

Of course face-to-face connection and virtual connectivity are linked. Some people claim that the latter has destroyed the former by replacing it with an unreal and fake world, and that social media has subverted truth and exaggerated extremism, but surely this is just one negative in a sea of myriad impacts. For me the internet has been nothing but positive. I’ve got back in touch with old friends through social media and met a few new ones too.

London

Barriers

What if I had low battery or full battery but it had been used up after being on hold a hour and half? What if my phone was not a smart phone as I couldn't afford one? What if I don't have the technology skills to connect with this new online crap and to manage emails and sending attachments? And the most important one to me is what if I don't have the identification they needed e.g passport, birth certificate?

London

Vagrant in McDonald’s

Whilst dining in McDonald's I came across this sign: 'Beggars and vagrants are not permitted to enter the store'. I had to take a picture of it as I couldn't believe there is a sign excluding homeless people from eating or drinking in their restaurant. This was taken in Bethnal Green, London. Is this allowed?? What is their definition of a vagrant?

London

Getting Back to Life

And, you know, they've done a great job, rolled out the vaccine. Most people I know and myself included have been double jabbed and boostered. And I do think, I do think the restrictions should have been lifted a long, long time ago. And I think some of the restrictions have been absolutely pathetic and not made any sense, and I think that's that's why the public, you know it's enraged a lot of us, the stupidity of some of the restrictions.

Manchester

Dark and Light part 2

'Dark and Light' is probably the most potent and personal piece I've ever done. But the job is only half done, you still need to rebuild your life.

Winchester

On a raft at sea

Meanwhile the sun is shining on the boat while a cloud hangs over my head. Nobody is taking any notice of the fact it is always pissing rain on me whilst the sun is always shining on the ‘righteous’ on the boat because there is always the feeling that I deserve the cloud that is floating above my head. I deserve to be rained on.

Winchester

Tax avoidance – the hidden culprits

Three things – ‘power’, ‘money’ and ‘privilege’ sum up how to avoid tax.

York

Recovery in lockdown

This pandemic has left its mark on so many, has ripped through families and starved them of having closure for loved ones. On the other hand I have seen unsung heroes, endless acts of kindness and communities coming together.

Dark and Light

When it's dark, that is all there is. When the light shines, there is always shadows and crevices nurturing the dark.

Winchester

Reported 3 years ago by Mat

Connection and Stories

You see the thing, above all else, that makes us human are our words and the stories we fashion around them. We tell stories about who we are and we are the product of the stories we tell. We are our stories and they are what connect us all.

London

Reported 3 years ago by Steve

Facing Feelings

I just wanted to try something a bit reactive and I had a conversation with someone, let's put it that way this morning, and they encouraged me to try and do things differently, so this is me trying to do things differently.

Manchester

The system needs to trust advocates

One solution to this problem would be to allow the person in the support role to come in for part of the assessment. They could also offer advice and support to the person in the support role and get invaluable context to help with a diagnosis. The medical professional could provide the support worker with tips and coping mechanisms instead of just walking away in the opposite direction.

Winchester

Living with COVID plan: to heat, or not to eat, that is the question

What do I think about the transition from full restrictions to living with COVID-19 guidelines, and I'll try to sum it up with one word - awkward!

York

Mental Health, Addiction and Being Isolated

Two critical 'worlds' I've faced in the past few years - *isolation and addiction* - they walk hand-in-hand together into darkness and chaos in my experience.

York

Living with COVID Plan

The reality, I suspect for most people experiencing homelessness, is 'living with COVID' is what we've been doing all along.

London

9 Days

I have nine working days left before I am back on the streets.

London

To Do List

I thought in this week's contribution, I would talk about my weekly to-do list, the to-do list that I have compiled this morning and that kind of reflects the legitimate problems of homelessness and health and living and trying to be creative and trying to be a human being.

London

I only worry about

London

What this project has done for me

This project has helped me with my confidence and in that process has helped me to regain my sense of self worth.

London

Reported 3 years ago by GG

This is me

Too many people who have been homeless in all its various forms have gone through various traumas and afterwards someone and some bureaucratic organisation told them to shut up and go away. Here I speak and write, you read and listen. To me, I am here, I came back, I'm speaking my words, and I exist.

London

Reported 3 years ago by Anne

Are You Receiving Me?

You’re sitting on a sleeping bag outside CostCutter - as was a young man I spoke to recently - in the cold, in the dark, it’s midwinter. Sick, scared and alone. What do you need? At the very least a phone. But is it enough? Are the services you require accessible, do they exist in a meaningful way?

London

Exclusion

I've been forced to think quite intently about all the things that I love that I'm being excluded from at present. And these are exclusions that possibly people don't really think about.

London

Reported 3 years ago by GG

How stylish are we?

So dear listener as you hear me, think about all the ways that you are fabulous, sexy, cool and that you express yourself, whether it's red lipstick or a scarf or enjoying art or appreciating good food.

London

Reported 3 years ago by Laura

No Regrets

That experience has changed my mindset and the way I think about life. I am just happy now to have a roof over my head, bills paid and food on my table. That is all I really need. I’m not envious of others who have a big massive job. I’m happy with what I have got and who I am.

Manchester

The ear between time, creativity and bureaucracy.

Can't do both. I can't do both. So I have to decide, Well, am I going to get kicked out at February, which is the current plan, if I do nothing and the likelihood through bitter experience is that's exactly what will happen or do I focus all my attention on making something that makes me a human being?

London

Reported 3 years ago by Steve

Gordon is an Oxymoron

So my question is this, why do I resist something that I know is beneficial to my state of mental health? And when I say resist, I do so with such stubbornness that it causes me a sense of psychological pain that then metamorphosises into actual physical pain.

Manchester

The destructive power of hope

That fabulous line from John Cleese's Clockwise, really does wrap it up perfectly, where after trying valiantly to get to his destination on time and everything goes wrong, sat in a monk's habit on the side of the road he says: "It's not the despair, Laura. I can take the despair. It's the hope I can't stand".

Reported 3 years ago by Mat

Craving Connection

It’s so difficult to find services, to apply for stuff and get advice without a link to the net. Although many people moan about the negative impact of the net on social life, research is showing that social exclusion is exacerbated by digital exclusion, especially for people experiencing homelessness.

London

Spreading Yourself Thin

I think this needs to be highlighted, and people need to understand that when you have a person or people who want to give so much of themselves to help others they can spread themselves so thin they become ineffective.

Winchester

Disease and Addiction

A difficult time in hospital – TICK An absolute fear of death – TICK Separation from people – TICK Not knowing if I will wake up – TICK A significant change in outlook – TICK Total behavioral change – TICK A head full of trauma – TICK

London

Environmental

And I'm sitting in the Airbnb accommodation that Westminster Council are currently providing me with and threatened me constantly with eviction. And I can't help but think how bad this environment is compared to where I was when I was sleeping at Terminal Five in Heathrow Airport.

Reported 3 years ago by

London

How do we make a difference?

Winchester

Reported 4 years ago by GG

Not ‘me, me me’ but ‘us, us, us’ by Paul Atheron FRSA

The attitudes in Britain are 'me, me, me'. And what we need, what we need desperately is 'us, us, us'. We have to unite as a community, as a society again, if anyone is being genuine now about change.

And homeless people and people with lived experience of homelessness and those who are recovering from trauma and those who are learning how to smile and live again and exist and be part of society and say, yeah, I'm here and I'm OK and I'm going to go to the library

‘Focusing on what works’ by Charlie

Look at these places where it is working and then bring it in to your areas, make it national. I wholly believe that some company, agency, government, whoever should actually go around and see all these projects are working all around the country and make a feasibility project of making it national

Winchester

‘The Consequences of Being Labelled a Dry Drunk’ by Sheryle.

"When I meet new people after successfully getting my daughter out of the care system I mention nothing about my past as I don't want to be a negative label and if I do have a label stamped on me, I'm hoping it says MOTHER"

London

‘Daily Picks Ups and the Raincoat of Fear’ Steve.

...if you don't get to that chemist on time, this is the downside to daily pick ups, you've had it.

Manchester

Reported 4 years ago by GG

‘The importance of libraries as safe spaces for women’ by GG

Libraries are such an important part of our community and they are trying to close them by the back door

Reported 4 years ago by Mat

‘My Front Room’ Mat Amp.

And, you know, also this project, which is community journalism, has given me a purpose and something to do. And I'm a great believer in projects like this. And, you know, my life's just moved forward progressively year on year.

London

‘Why I volunteer’ Miles.

I love listening to people, their personality, their perspectives on things, their ideas on how things can be improved, developed and working with them to try and introduce those changes so vitally needed.

York

‘Emerging Writer’ Paul Atherton FRSA.

And at the same time, I discover all of my benefits, these are my disability benefits have once again been stopped. My employment support allowance was stopped last October. Various people have been involved in that, trying to get that sorted out,

London

Reported 4 years ago by Karen

‘The Positivity of Fellowship’ by Karen Minnis

But I just like to say it's really nice to have the opportunity to talk about something positive, something that works under any circumstances. And I think Covid, you know, proves that, you know, keeping sober and mentally and spiritually well during this pandemic is nothing more than a miracle, really.

Stockport

Audio Stories Blogs

‘The Unresolved Anxiety of Phone Consultations’ by Steve

And then when you've been to the doctor and you come out and when I'm coming home and I walk through that door, I've achieved something

Manchester

‘The Anxieties over Vaccine Passports’ by Anon.

However, when it comes to a vaccine passport it is rather discriminatory against those who do not have it and in a way also to those who do.

London

Reported 4 years ago by GG

‘The Harsh Realities for Women Experiencing Homelessness’ by GG

It's really hard for women who've got experience of domestic violence to have the strength to speak up for their rights because if you're dealing with trauma you're always afraid that someone could turn aggressive

Reported 4 years ago by Karen

‘The Frustration of Making a Doctors Appointment’ by Karen Minnis.

So that was that, but the stress, you know, two days of stress just to get an appointment is absolutely... It's just unacceptable. It's giving people unnecessary stress, unnecessary negativity.

Stockport

Blogs Microreports

‘Isolation’ by Laura

My personal view on isolation is that it can be experienced in many different forms. That is one thing, but many people don't empathise with those who are forced into isolation by bullying from a family member, school 'buddies' or work mates. This is the type of insecure isolation where depression and mind set changes, often for the worse.

Reported 4 years ago by Laura

Manchester

Reported 4 years ago by Laura

‘Born with the ‘wrong’ body’ by Laura

Waking up to the wrong things in place of the parts I am wanting to be there, even after a great night’s sleep, where you don’t have to see or know that you are the wrong gender. Waking up in the morning seeing and knowing that is the most painful thing to have to go through, then looking in the mirror seeing that the you that is there is not the you that you should be.

Manchester

‘Just Maybe’ by Charlie

Well here we are. The end of the pandemic is in sight (hopefully). So back to the epidemic of our own making, so it can progress at a faster pace. LONELINESS.

Winchester

‘Experts by Experience in the Creative Realm’ by Paul Atherton FRSA

A couple of weeks ago, Museum of Homelessness brought me to my attention that somebody had posted 'has anyone had lived experience of renting in Peckham'. You don't need to put the words lived experience people...all you need to do is write 'Have you ever rented in Peckham?' And this is the world we've got now.

London

A big welcome to Sheryle who has just joined the project.

‘What community reporting is all about’ by Sheryle.

We all have challenges we go through in life and my own personal theory is we are always learning no matter how old we are ! I have got so much out of this project so far and really hope to blossom and learn as much as I can whilst involved . I am excited to finally have a VOICE. - one that I've never before thought I would have the opportunity to share.

London

‘Women are not hidden homeless, they are just not seen’ by Sheryle

Many services are run generically and cater to men and do not have the specific resources to help women who have experienced certain kinds of trauma. Women who are hiding from perpetrators often fear using these services for fear of being targeted for sexual abuse and prostitution.

London

The experience of homelessness for women by Sheryle

Women are often stuck in limbo like I was. It is frustrating. Women lose their homes and their possessions when going to prison and are consequently released homeless, with housing benefit stopped if their sentence is in excess of 12 weeks). As a result their 'local connection' can be lost

The thing that scares me, the worst of it all Is you believe money is real, not a concept to fall. That your success, whatever that means, Was achieved by hard work & not luck, mate, you live in a dream. Your a bit of a F...

London

Claire finds a friend close to home…

So this whole Covid thing's been a lonely time for everyone, and for some reason, instead of keeping up the contact with my friends more than I did when I was busy, I've kind of let it slide. And I discovered a brand new friend in Alexa.

Newcastle upon Tyne

‘The door is open…why can’t I walk through it’ by Charlie.

After more than a year in forced incarceration or lockdown, the shackles are off - or are they?

Winchester

Hopes and Fears by Miles

Today, I’m sat with over two years recovery, volunteering as I can, rebuilding relationships destroyed by my illness, appreciation of precious possessions, mostly pictures, not many, but so important to my state of mind.

York

Why Report? by Charlie.

I've been asked why I do this. It gives me an outlet and the hope that my voice can be heard . I go round and see so many things that are wrong. Before, all I could do was vent my anger to the wind. Now this gives me a platform, where hopefully something I say, can make a difference.

Winchester

Sheryl talks about her work with ‘Tricky Period’

I started volunteering with Tricky Period around one year ago after experiencing street homelessness as a female and I wanted to help others who have found themselves in a similar situation.

London

A heartfelt response to Steve by Dan Bleksley

Part of that fear of failure, cruelly enough, is of allowing others to see how scared you really are. If you’ve never slept rough, shot heroin, never had a support worker, you’re supposed to be able to look after yourself, to bear the responsibility of a job. We hide fear behind smart clothes and LinkedIn profiles. And that’s not helpful to anyone

Reported 4 years ago by Anon 1

A new home in an old space by Anon.

When you finally succeed in a bid for council accommodation it’s a happy moment, but you never know what you’ve actually got, and what problems will arise. However, sometimes you may be pleasantly surprised.

London

Environment by Paul Atherton FRSA

And one of the most important steps of the day is getting to the bathroom, brushing your teeth, and then the next step is a shower. If the shower is a problem, it will knock you off your perch. They're little things, they're inconsequential things or can be to other people, but to chronic fatigue sufferers they are sometimes insurmountable.

London

Disease and Addiction by Miles.

Do I fear catching Covid 19? Naturally I do, as well as what it might bring. Do I fear my addiction is waiting to pounce and convince me to willingly partake of its pleasures once again.

York

Lockdown lifting… by Miles

I’ll be conscious to maintain my learning from these exceptional times and circumstances and live a truer life a truer life closer to my values and beliefs

A picture is worth a thousand words.

London

Storage Blues by Paul Atherton FRSA

London

Audio Stories Blogs

Winchester

The importance of cats in my life : Anon

London

My healthcare experience during and before Covid : Anon

London

Charlie talks about the bridge provided by peer mentoring…

Winchester

Miles on the hope that this spring brings…

York

Claire writes about why she took the vaccine.

Newcastle upon Tyne

‘Getting to the heart of it’ Lee Foxhall talks to the Pavement’s Giselle Green.

Wednesbury

Paul Atherton FRSA – ‘Getting to see the doc…or not’

London

The Twisted Reward System by Steve

Steve talks about the difficulty with making change stick and the pull of addiction. His experience is the reason he has his job but it is also the thing that could trip him up. This is the struggle that all addicts face every second of every day 'it's exhausting'.

Manchester

Reported 4 years ago by Anne

What, I wonder, happened to Everyone In? by Anne Enith Cooper.

The launch of Everyone In was ambitious and compassionate. The old saying goes, “If it’s working don’t fix it.” I say, if it’s working don’t scrap it and why at this time when COVID-19 cases and deaths far exceed those at the peek of the March to May 2020 lockdown has it not been reinstated? I’d say, bring it back better.

London

‘With dual diagnosis, they seem to have it arse about face.’ By Charlie Radbourne.

NHS/mental health services, say you have to sort out the addiction problem, before they can sort out the mental health problem. Strange, but I thought, by its own definition, addiction, is a mental health problem. Most addiction root causes, are from a mental health problem. So you can't fix the addiction first, without fixing the mental health problem.

Winchester

Do people trust the vaccine? My opinion by Anon

London

The assessment cycle and triggers by Paul Atherton FRSA

London

Sleeping rough during Covid-19 and beyond: a public health emergency? Paul Atherton FRSA features in new King’s Fund podcast

London

“It just shows that people don’t actually need to be out on the streets” Claire on #EveryoneIn

It's a brilliant idea. It just shows, I don't know, it just shows that people don't actually need to be out on the streets, or certainly not so many anyway. And it's just, if anything, it's quite pitiful that it's took this pandemic right now, all these people are so poorly, to them to take this into consideration

Newcastle upon Tyne

Reported 4 years ago by Lee

“I was so confused, getting down, depressed, worried. ” Lee on waiting for his heart operation.

This has just been going on and on and I wasn't hearing anything. One consultant after another, from different hospitals, no information was being shared between them. So again I was so confused, getting down, depressed, worried.

Wednesbury

#EveryoneIn 2…? Paul Atherton FRSA responds to Robert Jenrick’s statement

London

“My life looks different from those dark days.” Miles reflects on his recovery during lockdown.

I can only share MY experience with you but I've found friendship, honesty, trust and respect from my fellow addicts who have always been there when I've been really low, resentful, angry with people.

York

Reported 4 years ago by Lee

“I ended up removing both the teeth myself.” by Lee

The NHS do an amazing job, and I thank them for all the care that I received whilst under their care. The main thing I found really hard, whilst I was in hospital, was the loneliness not being able to have any family or friend's visit.

Wednesbury

Mat talks to Steve about ‘daily pick-ups’ of opiate substitution medication

Mat Amp, Project coordinator, asks Steve Walker about the policy of ‘daily pick ups’ - the policy that means many opiate addicts have to pick up their opiate substitution medication of methadone or Subutex [aka Suboxone] every day. Some of these people are made to take that medication in front of the pharmacist everyday to ensure that they take it.

Manchester

Where would my life be without Frasier? by Paul Atherton FRSA

I've always hated Sundays as a child, because everything just stops and I'm not good with stopping because I've usually got two hundred things I need to get done that day.

London

“They are placing profits before people, this is wrong.” – Laura on the costs of the pandemic.

Now as for the businesses in Manchester that are closing after many years, people are at risk of losing their homes and numbers will raise over time. I am worried that the system will be overrun when it’s already hard to get support for those people who are in need.

Manchester

“I just completely stopped watching the news because I couldn’t really bear it anymore.” By Claire

I just stopped a while ago in the first lockdown because I was getting so depressed with all the death. You know, with the Covid and that. And I just completely stopped watching the news because I couldn’t really bear it anymore and it was getting really, really going deep and my head was mashed.

Newcastle upon Tyne

“They don’t trust that they’re actually going to get it.” – Charlie on the vaccine

But the one thing you know about someone who is a rough sleeper, or suffers from mental health, they will suffer from physical health because of the impact of that. And so they should be a higher priority, And I can’t find no give or anything, that they’re going to be stepped up on that.

Winchester

“Everybody In, that should now be renamed to ‘the government don’t care'” By Lee

Why? Again I ask WHY, has the government chosen NOT to again bring back the Everybody In campaign. Why? Everybody In, that should now be renamed to 'the government don't care'.

Wednesbury

Blogs Microreports

“I don’t really know what to believe about the vaccine” by Tina

To be honest I don't really know what to believe about the vaccine, because I get videos on Whatsapp talking about how the vaccine is bad, but at the same time people are dying and it looks like it's the only solution at the moment.

Manchester

‘Everybody in’ Just my opinion by Anon

I was shocked by this situation where people are left on the streets while at the same time told 'Stay at home, save lives. The hypocrisy!

Audio Stories Microreports

London

Everybody In…Smokers out by Steve

Steve talks briefly about the positives and negatives of the government's 'Everybody In' scheme. What happens now?

Manchester

It’s who you know…by Paul Atherton FRSA

As you know a couple of weeks ago I was supposed to be thrown back on to the streets from the emergency accommodation I had here in Marylebone. That didn’t happen, I’m now here until at least the 1st of March. But that didn’t happen because the council were doing the right thing. That didn’t have because the council were doing the lawful thing. That happened because I have friends and colleagues I can communicate with and ask to assist.

London

‘Our 15 Minutes of Fame Was Just That’ by Paul Atherton FRSA

London

Reported 4 years ago by Anne

Covid and mental health: between a rock and a hard place by Anne Enith Cooper

I’ve internalised an attitude that society only values me if I’m economically active; after all the wealth of a nation is measured in GDP. What does that say to people, not just with mental health problems, but those limited by chronic illness, disability, the terminally ill and retired, those living hand to mouth on the streets?

London

“It’s lockdown 2…”

London

Video Stories

“Wet paint, don’t touch”

And I’m one of them personalities or character traits that ‘Wet paint, don’t touch’… well sooner or later I’m going to touch it. I’m not sure on the psychology behind all that, but, you know, that’s just the way it is.

Manchester

“Remember how this feels next year when you’re all surrounded by family”

London

‘Tis the season to be jolly?

This isn’t much of a relief, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t realise how different self-isolation would be in the winter for some people. How hard and extremely lonely it would feel.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Reported 4 years ago by Laura

Laura features in The Kind Place podcast

Salford

“So when I was 17 I started to construct a cage. And in this cage, over time, I looked after this monkey.”

So the monkey sat there, scheming. How can I get bananas. I know what I’ll do, I’ll wait – like I did ten years ago or whenever it was – I’ll wait 42 days then he’ll give me a banana.

Manchester

Video Stories

“And of course, all of this is temporary. So you’re continually displaced.” – Navigating the process of finding accommodation

“It was quite bizarre from start to end.” – Steve goes for a coronavirus test

Manchester

“Now 6 weeks later our benefit is still not sorted and we have already received a letter that we could get evicted for being behind with the rent.”

Reported 5 years ago by Paul

Just fix the problem

London

Reported 5 years ago by Steve

“So for me, being homeless is not really concerned with not having a home. There’s so much more to it than that.”

Manchester

Reported 5 years ago by Laura

“It doesn’t matter if you are black, white, blue, pink or green, we all still have a heart and love in each one of us”

Manchester

“This year is a complete write-off, but, like everyone else, we have to get on with it!”

“The noise came back.”

Reported 5 years ago by Steve

“I didn’t want to be street homeless again at 49” By Steve

Manchester

New podcast! Accounts from people experiencing homelessness during COVID-19

London

“I just keep thinking that why now?”

Reported 5 years ago by Charlie

“The loss of revenue means, do I eat or do I score” by Charlie

It is a change of an era. After walking through the streets, since the lockdown started. The main change is people don't carry any change now. They don't carry money. Homeless community have always relied on people carrying money.

Winchester

‘It’s services coming together’ – Dave Woodley on the COVID-19 response for rough sleepers in London