Refugees have made a massive cultural, social, and economic contribution to life in the UK. Until the 1880s, the predominant attitude in British politics was one of ‘liberal tolerance’ towards foreigners, including refugees fleeing political persecution. However, UK immigration policy was not always this welcoming. We haven’t forgotten Theresa May’s hostile attitude toward Caribbean immigration […]
Please note: the report talks about mental health and substance use As someone with mental health issues – having them since the age of 17 when a family member passed away – I went into a deep depression. Not knowing what to do I turned to drink and crime. I was stealing to feed my […]
Morshed talks about his experiences with diabetes, he describes how he first knew he had the condition and then goes on to explain how he was told how his ethnicity impacts his experience of diabetes. Like many others with diabetes, Morshed highlights his struggles with getting GP appointments and the frustration of having to wait […]
My accommodation did not change. I live in temporary accommodation with my disabled boyfriend while still bidding on permanent place. There seem to be less suitable properties to bid on recently. Due to Covid we did not have an inspection every 8 weeks which was a relief as I always feel anxious about these inspections. […]
You know the old adage, which I simply put – Those who ignore History, are bound to (condemned to) repeat it. So, having not effectively addressed, previously, the on-going mutations of the housing Universe, nothing much has changed. Despite good intentions of legislature, to enact byelaws to shield the vulnerable My passage through this system, […]
Hi, My name is Kwaku Appiah. I was born in Kolebu hospital, Accra, Ghana. In October 1982. My name Kwaku means I was born on Wednesday. I grew up in Roman Catholic church, and I was a Mass Servant when I was thirteen years old. I completed my senior high school at age of 19yrs. […]
This is our last Listen Up monthly photography theme. From cats to food, the Listen Up! team respond to the theme ‘Symbol of Home’, and document what the phrase means to them. Tess’s photos: “Home for me as a cat. A happy cat, preferably a bit strange. Whenever I’ve not had a cat in my life, […]
Since being a Listen Up! Community reporter is an volunteer role, this month we have documented what it’s like to volunteer on a day to day basis either within Groundswell or elsewhere. We wanted to shine a light on all the wonderful and essential work that volunteers do! Miles’ Photo: running on empty…but still time […]
Myself and my partner have been impacted financially throughout this whole pandemic. More so, my partner but the knock-on effect cannot be understated. My partner works for an agency. Work slowed down quickly and for 6 weeks she had no income at all. We both assumed that meant she could get furloughed. However, because the […]
Maya Bly is a journalist and organiser with many years’ experience in activism and not-for-profit organisations. Due to a long-standing health condition, she is unable to work full time. She was made homeless in 2017 when the DWP wrongly removed her benefits and she was placed in emergency temporary accommodation, a set of circumstances that […]
Photo by Mat Amp Instagram @matamp67 Please note: this report talks about sexual abuse In this report guest reporter GG talks about the incredible lack of consideration given to the numerous issues faced by women experiencing homelessness. Hello, I’m going to talk a bit about being a woman and having experience of homelessness and […]
I’m excited, nervous, fearful, pensive and hopeful for the new lockdown lifting and learning what Covid has demonstrated about the human race. Finally, a return to normal life. What is that now…? People behaving with compassion, real consideration for other human beings, sharing wisdoms and resources freely and discovering new connections, humility with circumstances beyond […]
For the last two years we’ve been living in very uncertain times, in fear, in isolation, separated from our loved ones, passed from pillar to post under the yoke and tyranny of one farcical lock down rule to yet another even more ridiculous one, not knowing if we were coming or going, obeying these rules […]
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Landed as a Human Being, Here on Earth in 1967 contemporary era. Linguistics consisting as Alien, French, English. Please choice at Demand and Supply, subject to availability on a daily basis. Educational curriculum in France, tick! Hospitality for three ages, sailor for twelve moons, swimming the seven seas, support worker for Aeons. On a journey […]