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 […]

I’m Miles, dad of two, lived in York for 33 yrs whose overcome homelessness and addiction to become a local reporter for Groundswell since 2020 sharing my experience and thoughts on various aspects of my journey.

My name is B, aged 39 and based in the Midlands, having grown up between London and the South Coast. The majority of adult life; in-work homelessness experienced in a variety of industries, trying and working for a better quality of life. On three occasions:  unemployment, emotional wellbeing needs, and circumstantial changes in hand with […]

I’m Sheryle Thomas. I live in London . I was homeless on/ off for 24 years. I am now in supported housing. I am a keen activist / feminist who helps support women experiencing homelessness and volunteers within a group to help with period poverty whilst experiencing homelessness.

I was born and I am. That’s a fact. Not necessarily in chronological order- Singer. Poet. Soldier. Veteran. Drinker. Manager. Alcoholic. Owner. Shoemaker. Busker. Sailor. Painter. Homeless. Sober. Volunteer. Peer/mentor. Reporter. I know who I was who I am and I have no idea who I will be.

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 […]

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 […]