Microreports Reports

This project


Reported by Charlie

Published on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022

Identity Stigma
Microreports Reports

This project


Written by Charlie

Published on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022

Identity

Stigma

When we have been homeless we have this churning inside to help other people as soon as we are in recovery. We deal with that feeling by helping others with stuff. It’s a double edge sword – but a positive sword whereby by reporting on stuff we are informing the public and impacting service delivery by offering advice to homeless services. It’s a process that in turn helps us because we gain confidence and self-belief as well as learning stuff.

The fact our views are being published on a good looking website gives our work more credibility. People are more likely to engage with it and not just dismiss it as another article by a ‘homeless person’. The images we use purposefully buck the trend of tramp in a shop doorway. If an article is published in the Guardian people are more likely to read it and I know the microsite isn’t the Guardian but because it is a professional looking space it gives credence to our work so that people read it and notice it and take it seriously.

Also we have the backing of an organisation – in this case Groundswell and On Our Radar and that makes people take notice. We learn different skills. People sometimes talk about us like we are sub species, even when they mean well or when they are talking about someone who has been in recovery for years. This project helps correct that impression.

Written by Charlie


Charlie Radbourne has more than six years, peer support and advocacy experience. Sitting on many service user forums and local authority committees. Due to mental health problems, coming under CMHT and the crisis team, Charlie spent eight months sleeping rough and in the local night shelter, then four years in a hostel / supported accommodation.

Read all of Charlie's articles

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Identity Stigma