These are stone cold facts for me, anyway. Some guy is at the centre of this Coronation who doesn’t represent one iota of the masses. Meanwhile people have been running around Tescos buying paper plates and jelly to celebrate. I get that people want an escape and all that but there is no out.  

We’ve been in austerity since 2008. There is no out until we unite but instead what we do is accept, we accept that we are forbidden to unite but we are not forbidden to celebrate someone who doesn’t represent us, who contributes nothing to this country.  

He sits at the top of it through birthright but what is my birthright. 20 years of rehab, prison and psychiatric wards. That is my birthright, shall we celebrate that. It just baffles me. People’s attitude. 

I can’t get my head around that fact that when i start talking to people they are like ‘Oh fuck off Steve, you are boring, You are too political’  

How is that even possible. Getting on the bus is political init. Everything is political so some guy getting made king which is a farce and costing millions and million of pounds. I mean each Borough in London has put through 100s of thousands of pounds for street parties and all this bollocks and decorations in offices and all the bumpf that goes with it.  Some councils are spending tens of thousands on celebrations from their already stretched budgets despite having been forced to cut services and raise taxes to avoid bankruptcy. For example Barking and Dagenham, the fifth most deprived local authority in the UK spent £155,000 over the coronation weekend. [1] 

It’s common sense isn’t it…well clearly it’s not to the common man but its sense to see that there is a massive gap in income and wealth and people are supporting this coronation and I get lost for words with it and the fact that you can’t even air these opinions now. You couldn’t go to central London and protest the other day.  

Why can’t you? Why can’t you go and protest? Because they’d rather spend money on having police arresting protesters. They would rather spend money on that than within society, within that Borough to help people have a better life. Then just maybe we would all have something to celebrate that wouldn’t be absolute bollocks.  

Let’s have it right, that’s what it is. It’s hypocrisy backed by the ideological state apparatus which in this country is a huge fucking machine and people are falling for it left, right and centre. People haven’t got any money but what money they have they spend on this bloke. I’m lost for words with it. Maybe this is the north south divide or something but there are not many people I’ve been able to converse with during recent events about this.   

How can you challenge what I’ve just said with any validity. Please someone can you challenge what I’ve said and have a debate about this. I welcome it. For me it is just solid facts and I think it’s a really really sad situation.       

1 https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/coronation-38m-costs-local-councils-barking-bromley-ealing/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=content_studio 

My major issue is not drugs, it’s mental health. Put it this way, my reality is just different from others but I see addiction and mental health issues as being indivisible. They are both symptoms of homelessness rather than direct causes of it.

For example how can OCD be mental health and addiction not, when a major driver in addiction is obsessive and compulsive behaviour. Addiction is so obviously a mental health issue when you consider the irrationality of continuing to use a substance despite the severe and obvious consequences of doing so.

I’ve got to be honest it does wind me up when I hear people with mental health issues dismissing addicts in that judgemental way. What is the difference between someone like me with mental health issues who put themselves through hell when I was in crisis and someone who tries to self-medicate that hell by using drugs.

It was such a fine line for me nearly falling into addiction but I somehow managed to fight it. It was about the only thing that I did fight at the time. Who knows why I didn’t but it has nothing to do with me being a good or bad person. One thing I know for sure is that the earlier people get help for their issues the less likely they are to fall in to damaging behaviour.

Someone who is helped with the issues that end up causing that addiction, if they get that help soon enough. If they don’t get that help in a timely fashion they may end up developing serious mental health issues or developing addictions that are often just an expression of mental health issues or a response to some sort of trauma or another.

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?

Drugs are a symptom not the cause and it’s the same with mental health. Mental health is not a cause it is a symptom. What causes those problems with your mental health in the beginning? That’s what we need to know and that is what we need to deal with if we have any chance of making recovery stick. 

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.  Two fans, placed as strategically as possible given the absence of plug points and with the dodgy wiring in mind, move the dense air around sluggishly.

Outside, the temperature is 32°C.  My energy, already low because of chronic ill health, is reserved for the most minimal activity – swopping an empty water bottle for a full one, eating a small snack every few hours, intermittently soaking the t-shirt I’m wearing and sponging down the dog.  Sleep is restless and sweaty, interrupted by thirst or worry or feverish dreams.  We’re in survival mode.

We go out several times a day for the pooch to relieve himself, carefully calculating whether the hot pavement is bearable for his paws.  I carry our biggest bottle and, in strict rotation, offer the parched street trees a drink.  In the early morning, we walk to the corner shop to buy a bag of ice which keeps our drinking water chilled for a short while.

The Met Office has issued another Amber Alert warning of extreme heat for at least the next four days and the Mayor of London has activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, for the second time this summer.  This means all citizens should be on high alert for the effects of this unusual heat and that additional support measures should be in place for vulnerable people, including those who have disabilities or health conditions, and those who are very old or very young.

There are endless headlines in the news, offering advice on how to stay cool, recipes for hot days and lurid human interest stories of people suffering in unusual ways.  The tabloids suggest putting frozen peas down your top while the broadsheets suddenly feature articles on the most temperate regions of France to buy a second home.  It all feels incredibly unreal and unhelpful – I have no freezer to stock up on ice lollies, no curtains to close against the worse heat of the day and no hope of a holiday in France.

Living in temporary council accommodation is incredibly lonely for lots of reasons but more so in a crisis.  We are not the visible homeless, the rough sleepers, who are visited by council and charity outreach teams to check on our welfare.  The only official who has visited our temporary accommodation building this summer is the anti-social behaviour officer.  Nobody has called to see if I’m alright, even though I have a team of social workers, support workers and housing advocates working with me.  My council landlords tweet about supporting “vulnerable residents” but their website offers nothing except a few tips on staying cool and a link to the NHS.

I am one of thousands of Londoners living in a flat that is inadequate for extremes of weather.  The private owner of our building will not invest in energy efficiency so there is no insulation or double glazing and the ancient central heating system coughs out hot air all year round.  During the last heat wave, our water was cut off for half a day with no warning.

As you move up the floors in this six-story, Victorian block the temperature palpably rises.  Many of the flats have windows that don’t open properly and none have cross-ventilation.  There is no common or outdoor green space for tenants to catch a breath of cool air – indeed, the only nearby gardens are locked to people like us.

We do have a beautiful big park ten minutes’ walk away but many my neighbours cannot make it that far.  This is a building almost entirely inhabited by people with disabilities and complex needs.

I have my own troubles but I also worry about the alcohol-dependent guy in my corridor; he has epileptic fits and hurts himself regularly in falls. And what about the wheelchair-using diabetic whose feet are in plaster and who sleeps on the stairs because he’s afraid of a hex in his flat?

Then there’s the basement family with the teenage daughter who has a severe learning disability. She doesn’t leave the flat unless it’s to go to school and school is over for the summer. They get no natural light in their flat and there’s a rat decomposing outside the window which looks onto the building’s central well. All of these people are vulnerable and largely invisible and have few material resources to withstand this extreme weather.

I worry that there will be deaths in my building this summer and they will go uncounted as casualties of the structural neglect that means there is so little adequate, affordable housing and that the services tasked to look after our most difficult and needy citizens are threadbare.  There’s little I can do, except to keep an eye out for people in trouble and send messages to the Council, trying to get their attention.  It’s nowhere near enough.

Hello everyone, it’s John Chiko. So today, I will be talking about the different types of homelessness. Now, homelessness comes in various facets and conditions. It is something that I learnt during my first few weeks joining Groundswell’s Listen Up! I have experienced homelessness I, however, did not understand the type of homelessness that I was experiencing. As such it led me down the path to understand homelessness and the various forms that it takes.

Street Homelessness

Street homelessness is a form of homelessness where individuals lack a stable and permanent residence, often residing in public spaces such as streets, parks, or under bridges. These individuals face daily challenges related to survival, including finding food, addressing hygiene needs, and navigating exposure to adverse weather conditions. Street homelessness is visible in urban areas, with individuals often relying on community resources, outreach services, and temporary shelters for support. The lack of secure and private spaces exposes them to safety concerns. They may also grapple with mental health issues, substance use challenges, and the increased risk of victimization. Street homelessness affects a diverse population, with people of different ages, genders, and backgrounds experiencing this form of homelessness.

Efforts to address street homelessness involve comprehensive strategies that go beyond immediate shelter provision. Outreach programs play a crucial role in providing essentials like food, clothing, and hygiene items, while also connecting individuals with available support services. Comprehensive solutions often include a combination of housing assistance, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, and social services to help individuals transition from street homelessness to stable living situations. Recognising the unique needs and circumstances of those experiencing street homelessness is essential for developing compassionate and effective interventions to address this complex social issue.

Sheltered Homelessness

Sheltered homelessness refers to a situation where individuals seek refuge in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or other temporary accommodations, lacking a stable and permanent night time residence. While these individuals may not be living on the streets, their housing situation is not stable, and they often face uncertainties regarding their future living arrangements. Sheltered homelessness encompasses a diverse group of people who, for various reasons, are unable to secure stable housing and turn to temporary shelter options for support.

Individuals experiencing sheltered homelessness typically access emergency shelters that provide short-term accommodation, often overnight, to meet immediate needs. These shelters may offer basic amenities, such as beds, meals, and restroom facilities. Transitional housing programs may provide more extended stays, offering individuals an opportunity to work towards securing more permanent housing solutions. Sheltered homelessness can affect single adults, families with children, and individuals facing specific challenges such as job loss, domestic violence, or economic instability. Addressing sheltered homelessness involves not only providing immediate refuge but also implementing strategies to help individuals secure stable, long-term housing arrangements and address the underlying factors contributing to their housing instability. Community support services, case management, and collaboration with local housing agencies are essential components of effective interventions for sheltered homelessness.

Couch Surfing

Couch surfing refers to a form of homelessness where individuals temporarily stay with friends, family, or acquaintances instead of having a stable and permanent residence of their own. While these individuals may not be living on the streets, they lack a fixed place to call home and rely on the goodwill of others for temporary accommodation. Couch surfing is often characterised by a lack of stability, as individuals move from one place to another, facing uncertainty about their living arrangements.

People experiencing couch surfing may not have a designated or consistent place to stay, making it challenging to establish routines or maintain a sense of security. The lack of a permanent residence can result from various factors, including financial difficulties, strained relationships, or other personal challenges. Couch surfing can affect individuals of different ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. While staying with others, individuals experiencing couch surfing may contribute to household responsibilities or may find themselves in challenging living situations, depending on the dynamics of the host environment. Addressing couch surfing often involves a multifaceted approach, including providing stable housing solutions, financial assistance, and support services to help individuals achieve more secure and permanent living arrangements. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by those engaging in couch surfing is crucial for developing targeted interventions and fostering stable housing environments.

Hidden Homelessness

Hidden homelessness refers to a situation where individuals lack a stable and permanent residence but are not readily visible in public spaces. Unlike those experiencing street homelessness, individuals facing hidden homelessness may find unconventional places to stay, such as cars, abandoned buildings, or other hidden locations, to avoid public scrutiny. This form of homelessness is characterised by individuals living in less visible circumstances, making it challenging to identify and address their housing needs.

People experiencing hidden homelessness often navigate precarious living situations without a consistent, secure home. They may avoid public spaces and shelters, making it difficult for outreach programs to connect with and provide support. Hidden homelessness can result from a variety of factors, including economic challenges, housing unaffordability, or personal circumstances that lead individuals to seek hidden and discreet places to stay. This form of homelessness affects a diverse population, including individuals of different ages, backgrounds, and life situations. Addressing hidden homelessness requires innovative outreach strategies, increased awareness, and targeted support services to identify and assist individuals in hidden living situations. Recognising the unique challenges faced by those experiencing hidden homelessness is essential for developing effective interventions and fostering stable housing solutions.

Refugee and Asylum Seeker Homelessness

Refugee and asylum seeker homelessness is a situation where individuals who have fled their home countries due to persecution, violence, or fear of harm find themselves without stable housing upon arrival in a new country. Refugees are individuals who have been officially recognised as fleeing persecution and are granted asylum, while asylum seekers are individuals who have applied for asylum but may still be awaiting a decision on their status. Both groups face unique challenges related to housing instability as they navigate the complexities of seeking safety and refuge in a new country.

Upon arriving in a host country, refugees and asylum seekers may experience homelessness due to factors such as limited resources, lack of social support networks, and unfamiliarity with the local housing landscape. They may find themselves in temporary shelters, refugee camps, or facing difficulties securing permanent housing. Language barriers, cultural differences, and legal complexities can further complicate their access to stable housing solutions. Addressing refugee and asylum seeker homelessness requires a coordinated effort involving government agencies, non-profit organisations, and community support services. Providing culturally sensitive assistance, legal support, language resources, and transitional housing can be crucial in helping refugees and asylum seekers establish stable living arrangements and rebuild their lives in a new country. Recognising the specific challenges faced by these individuals is essential for implementing effective interventions and fostering successful integration into their host communities.

Natural Disaster-Induced Homelessness

Natural disaster-induced homelessness occurs when individuals lose their homes as a result of sudden and catastrophic events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, or other environmental disasters. In the aftermath of these events, individuals may find themselves without stable housing due to the destruction of their homes or entire communities. The unique challenges posed by natural disasters can result in displaced individuals seeking temporary shelter, facing uncertainties about the rebuilding process, and grappling with the sudden loss of their homes and belongings.

Individuals affected by natural disaster-induced homelessness often experience immediate displacement to emergency shelters, temporary housing facilities, or evacuation centers. The destruction of infrastructure, homes, and local services can make it challenging for displaced individuals to access stable housing solutions. The recovery process involves addressing both short-term and long-term housing needs, considering the scope of the disasters impact on the affected communities. Government agencies, non-profit organisations, and community support services play critical roles in providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and assistance with rebuilding efforts. The restoration of infrastructure and community resources is crucial for helping individuals affected by natural disasters regain stable and permanent living arrangements. Recognising the urgency of immediate shelter needs and supporting long-term recovery efforts is essential in addressing natural disaster-induced homelessness.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that individuals experiencing homelessness may transition between these categories, and their circumstances can change over time. Effective responses to homelessness often involves addressing the diverse needs of individuals and families in various situations. It is because of this that we need to have skilled, educated groups of people ready to be on the frontline against homelessness, who are able to identify the various types of homelessness and the challenges that people experiencing each type of homelessness are going through. If this is achieved, then we will be able to tackle homelessness in a practical way that can be tracked and achieved.

Am I lonely, or am I sad

My head keeps telling me I’m just bad

An invite by zoom, or, dare I try a room

I’m so scared to try, my brain might fry

I look for an uplift, to lighten my mind shift

Will they show some care, and just be fair

One day I venture, my intrepid adventure.

So I’ll sit down and ask, as my heart beats so fast

When, why and how do I show, as I get up to go

I step to the door, eyes fixed to the floor

I muster a grin, steady my wobbly chin

My posture is tight, yet I’m walking with fight

To make that impression, a fixed, false expression.

In this piece, Paul talks about the way the system wastes your valuable time. Too often people think that people experiencing homelessness are not creating because they are too busy surviving but there a massive desire amongst many people with experience of homelessness to be creative and we as a a group and as individuals, have a lot to say through our creative work. 

 Transcription

As most listeners know by now, I suffer with a disease known as chronic fatigue syndrome CFS, or more commonly known as MECFS from the myalgic encephalomyelitis. I can’t even say it and I’ve been saying it for 20 years, and this means that my days vary every day.

And obviously, with the current program thinking about health and homelessness, I think the one thing that a lot of people never factor in is the very nature of having to choose.

So this morning I wake up, I’m in bed. There is no table here, there’s no workable kitchen here. So the first thing I have to decide, having checked, I can actually get out of bed because there are some mornings where it’s just not possible because my symptoms of my disease have what we call relapsed and crashed. And therefore, I can’t move. But if I can move, my first decision of the day is, do I get up and out to eat or do I start to deal with emails and all the processes that you have to stop?

And it’s these little things that I think are lost in the big news stories and the welfare cheats stories and the homelessness stories, is that actually the big decisions, the really hard decisions are the little ones, the small ones, the ‘don’t spend the morning writing to Westminster Council highlighting all their failings yet again for the 100000’ this time? Or do I do something productive and focused on a project that I’m working with a friend called Light Source and help them produce that for the British Library later this year?

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?

And I do wonder, dear listener, what you would choose and I suspect and with huge disappointment, but I suspect you will probably play the safe card, you would probably go, I’m going to chase for my benefits because how am I going to survive without my welfare coming in? I’m going to chase the local authority ad nauseam because how am I going to do…to remain inside?

And those decisions become more important, which means you’re sacrificing your life for bureaucrats. And there is sometimes you’ve just got to have the fight. I mean, I’ve been without welfare now for over a year, and I’ve got to now get a judge to allow me to appeal because you only get like three months to appeal.

For some reason, they can do things to you ten years after the event, but the other way around you get three months and you lose everything. But that’s days and days and days of work. That’s a compilation of correspondence going back over a year and a bit and having to cut and paste all those. And it just it takes hours and hours and hours and hours and hours time and…

You will find, I think when you turn about 40 or 45 that you’ll start losing friends at a rapid rate way more than you would have done earlier in your life, and sometimes obviously you have older friends. So if you’re in your 20s, they were in their 40s. And then by the time you hit the 40s, some of these people in their 60s and 70s and time takes on a wholly different meaning than time when your kids used to go on forever.

As you get older, it gets less and less, and you know, you you understand you are watching a ticking clock. So those decisions and names, they’re not they’re not minor things, so why are we not putting these things front and centre? Why are we not highlighting that every time I’ve got to waste time doing some bureaucratic nonsense I’m not creating or doing something great for myself and society at large, which is really where all our focus is, should be.

We should be living our best lives, as the adage goes in the 21st century. And as part of that, ensuring that those around us are able to live their best lives instead of being stuck with wasting bureaucratic nonsense, all it does is weakens the soul and wastes all you time.

Links

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In this report Mahesh uses his personal and original writing style to share his frustration at the way the system continues to make the same mistakes, seemingly learning nothing from the costs of the mistakes that it keeps on making. It is worth reading these reports a few times and taking a bit of time to consider the implications of what Mahesh means. Mat Amp

Tenant pays the rent. no forward mortgage payment to bank… live the life of this chap, Riley…
bailiffs turn up. tenant turned out. dumb court favour charlatan landlord/lady…
consequences…you talking to me???…consequences, if any, be, you know, dammed… 

repeat pattern, for next lamb… 

The fact that The Private Renters’ Bill has been recently shelved, and seems indefinitely shelved – looming elections, pass the buck, let the next bunch of guys/gals handle it, et cetera…it doesn’t logically seem that any minister is going to be to effectively busy dealing with this crisis… always, that good ol’ back burner is within easy reach son of a beeeatch situation… 

Mahesh  takes photos for Groundswell and the Listen Up project. This is a photograph taken by him for Groundswell. 

Hello everyone, it’s John Chiko. Today I am going to be talking about the importance of family structures. For most people, the first house or first home that they live in is their family home. The home that is inhabited by their direct family. Their father, their mother, their brothers, and sisters. It is these individuals that are the most important in one’s life. A person’s first and last line of defence. This is where most people get their support. However, what about those that do not have a family for support, or worse the family itself are perpetrators of abuse? This can be a life-breaker for most people, it can be myriad of problems that one would be battling against for their whole life.

Families offer emotional support during challenging times. Members of a family unit provide comfort, understanding, and encouragement, helping individuals cope with stress, grief, or personal struggles. The family provides a sense of belonging and identity. Being part of a family unit gives individuals a connection to their roots and a feeling of being valued and accepted for who they are. Families provide a stable and secure environment.

A supportive family structure can offer a sense of security, helping individuals feel safe and protected, especially during times of uncertainty. Families serve as the primary socialisation agents, helping individuals develop social and communication skills. Interacting with family members from different generations teaches important interpersonal skills that are valuable in broader social contexts. Families are primary environments for early education and learning. Parents and older family members often serve as role models, mentors, and sources of knowledge, fostering intellectual development in children.

Families are custodians of cultural heritage and traditions. They pass down cultural practices, rituals, and values from one generation to the next, preserving a sense of continuity and identity. Families may provide financial support and stability. In times of need, family members often come together to help, whether it’s financial help, shared resources, or advice on financial matters.

Families contribute to the overall health and well-being of individuals. Emotional and social support within the family can positively impact mental health, and families often encourage healthy habits and lifestyles. Interacting within a family unit teaches individuals important conflict resolution skills. Learning to navigate disagreements and disputes at home can contribute to healthier relationships and better conflict management skills in various life situations.

Families play a crucial role in teaching life skills and fostering independence. From basic daily activities to more complex decision-making, family support helps individuals develop the skills needed for self-sufficiency. The family unit serves as a training ground for future relationships. Interacting with family members helps individuals learn about communication, empathy, and compromise, which are valuable skills in forming and maintaining healthy relationships outside the family.

The family unit is a foundational element in an individual’s life, providing emotional support, a sense of belonging, and a framework for personal and social development. The relationships and experiences within a family contribute significantly to shaping an individual’s values, beliefs, and overall well-being. It is essential for any human being to be born in a loving and supporting family for them to develop into a happy and loving human being.

At the moment, it’s kind of half remote and half face to face. I think they are going to keep the remote side because it’s cheaper but it’s not all bad to be honest. There are advantages to it. Our reach is lot more, and we can do a lot more with the money available. When it was all face to face, we just couldn’t get the work done. It was impossible.  

Now it’s remote, we are doing much better with covering the workload. I mean one of our contracts covers Hampshire, Dorset and bits of Surrey. When we were doing that face to face it was impossible to cover because of the travel times.  

Although I am worried that this may lead to budget cuts it has worked the other way. We have had contracts renewed. When I say we I mean Outcome Homes who I have been hooked up with for a while. You can definitely do more with remote care. Look, we have always had the phone calls but the bulk of it was face to face.  

The shift to providing remote care where needed has meant we can just get far much more done. There are many vulnerable people who have a fear of meeting new people and going out and remote care works for them too. We can’t just dismiss it out of hand.  

For me face to face care and remote care are designed to work together and they work together if they are done not primarily to save money. The prime motivation has to be the provision of better care. Look, face to face care is still the better option for most people but the use of remote care makes us more efficient.  

Groundswell’s Mat Amp interviews Nawshin, a community reporter on the Listen Up! project, about her experience with Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day film [you can watch the film by clicking on this link https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001k32p/comic-relief-2023-red-nose-day You can find Nawshin’s interview after 1 hour and 23 minutes] 

You can find out more about the project here https://groundswell.org.uk/2023/rednoseday-princewilliam/  

For clarity, I refer to Nawshin as Nel a few times during this interview.

INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT

Mat: Right, so, did you have any reservations about doing this? 

Nawshin: Yes, I had a lot of reservations. I did a lot of overthinking about it. I was just worried that being in such a public domain that it might negatively impact my life and my employment opportunities. So, I definitely made it seem a lot bigger in my head than it actually turned out to be.  

Mat: Yeah. Did you worry about the way that they were going to talk to you or treat you?  

Nawshin: Yes, I was worried about that because I was concerned that they [the representatives from the BBC and Comic Relief] might not be able to cater to my disabilities or they might treat me differently because of my background or because of my ethnicity and my lack of experience in comparison to everybody else who works there. But no, it was really good. They treated me with the utmost respect. They catered everything towards what would be good or bad for me. They just did everything to make sure that I was safe, I was happy. And they really did everything to make sure that everything was okay. They really did put everything in place to make sure that I was comfortable.  

Mat:  Brilliant. You know, I found that that as well, that they seemed to be very attuned to the sort of safeguarding needs. And it kind of surprised me a little bit that.  

Nawshin: Yeah.  

Mat: And what did it do for you, the actual experience of taking part? 

Nawshin: Um, I’m not necessarily sure that it did anything for me, but I’m hoping that by using my voice and talking about things that I will make services and policy better for people who are struggling. It’s not that necessarily I wanted to get anything out of it or that looking for fame or anything. So, it was just to be able to put a voice to a cause.  

Mat: Yeah. Do you find that being listened to is a kind of, I don’t know, for me anyway, kind of being listened to, it kind of helps me think of myself in better terms. I don’t know if that’s the best way to put it, but do you find that that when you’re you’ve got a platform to talk, that it makes you kind of feel better about things?  

Nawshin: I have a very complicated relationship with my self-worth, but I think I should believe when I’m speaking and when I receive so many compliments from people, I should believe what they say and that if I read my transcript back [The transcript from her interview], I should think, wow, I said some really good things. But at the time or when I’m continually thinking about how I’m going to fix my life or try to have like better long-term goals, it’s just…I feel like I’m not doing enough, but evidence is showing me that I’m doing enough it is just me not believing that.  

Mat: Yes, it’s difficult. It’s not as simple as people say it is it. It’s kind of like people think it’s a simple thing that once you do this, you feel better. But it is far more complex than that. And I think you really shine a light on that in a way that I haven’t quite heard from anyone else in that kind of way. But do you think that organizations generally are sort of taking a more holistic approach to homelessness, I don’t know, in the last ten or 15 years?  

Nawshin: Yep, I believe they are. There are still so many issues so that’s the only thing I still find troubling because I’m really… I’m getting my voice out there in mainstream media. I’m getting all of these amazing opportunities. But then like a few hours later when I come back home, it’s as if nothing has changed. I feel like I’m more contributing towards the future generation, but it can kind of it make me feel a bit crap because I can’t fix my own issues.  

Mat: Yeah, I really understand that. Is there anything else you want to add?  

Nawshin: 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.  

Mat: Thanks very much for speaking to me.