Denise Harrison is an award-winning writer and film-maker, whose writing career began back in 2017 when she was newly in recovery and living in a homeless hostel. As a way to cope in an ever-changing and often challenging environment (and also as a way to understand herself and to try and make peace with her […]
Accommodation Community Recovery Support and Relationships Mat came to Groundswell in 2018 after several years as a volunteer for the Pavement Magazine where he is now Deputy Editor. Part of his role at the Pavement was to help deliver ‘From the Ground Up’, a partnership between the Pavement and Groundswell that taught core journalism skills […]
Hey Listen Up! There is a wealth of information available that informs us about the positive effect that connection has on our mental health. Much like the “five-a-day” promotion or even the “apple a day keeps the doctor away” slogan from my 70s childhood there is plenty of evidence to support the claims that such […]
In her previous article, GG wrote about libraries being a lifeline for so many communities. In this piece, she reflects on a recent visit to the library in Brixton and the impact Covid-19 restrictions have had on a space where human connection and conversation can help so many overcome feelings of loneliness, trauma and anxiety. […]
This report reflects on what Miles has done for Listen Up! and what they have gained from this Here is a recommended backing track to listen to while reading these words And now, the end is near… For Listen Up, the final curtain We’ve made good friends; we’ll say it clear We took some time, […]
People experiencing homelessness are almost always inaccurately depicted throughout all media platforms. Stereotypes of homelessness are perpetuated in the media more than anything. News outlets, for one, too often take the humanity out of the information they provide. This project enables me to feel listened to and be part of the drive for positive change. […]
Temporary accommodation (TA) vis-a-vis homelessness was for me a welcome respite from the oh so thorny tribulations of the wilderness that is street life. Many have documented the dire consequences and ill effects of TA that are continually experienced by a significant tranche of humanity, all over the world. Shall we talk about the […]
The signpost sits where the fence parts me from the river that once would of quenched my thirst. “HERE LOUNGERS LOITER!” “PRIVATE PROPERTY” As I look through the fence to where I apparently am not allowed to go, a beautiful oak tree sits. As the oak peers down upon me from the ‘other side’ with […]
Hi I’m Tess, I work for Groundswell and have a long history of mental illness. During a particularly bad patch I sofa surfed for a while. I have a very opinionated cat and live near Manchester, although I’m formerly from Stoke-on-Trent.
I am a mother of 4, an artist, and a survivor of domestic violence/childhood sexual abuse. I work with Groundswell focusing on supporting women and also as peer support to women with mental illness. I myself have dual disability EUPD and CPTSD. I tell stories through the written and spoken word, and create artwork about […]
I came from a very broken home where drug dealing was rife. Since the small age of 12 I’ve been a street kid, sleeping in the back of cars that were open, bank doorways for the heater at night and so on. I’ve come from my own version of hell like the rest of us. […]
Denise Harrison is an award-winning writer and film-maker, whose writing career began back in 2017 when she was newly in recovery and living in a homeless hostel. As a way to cope in an ever-changing and often challenging environment (and also as a way to understand herself and to try and make peace with her […]
After discussions at our recent in person reporter meeting, we feel the preservation of the earth, the environment and climate change is an important part of the conversation around housing, health and homelessness. We spoke about the interconnectedness of the environmental disaster and homelessness: the displacement of people from their homes, the impact extreme weather […]
Healing the Past – Listen Up! Hub
This article includes descriptions of child abuse and rape. In this incredible article Aaron talks publicly for the first time about something that has weighed him down throughout his life. Sharing it has helped to lighten that load. Home is meant to be a safe zone. A place to eat, sleep and live in safety […]