Blue Skies
At
the time of writing, spring has arrived, the day is warm and the sun is
shining. Daffodils sway in swarms along the roadside, their bright
yellow heads catching the light and heralding the summer ahead. The long
cold winter is over.
My thoughts drift to the people who use our services.
Is it any easier for them when the days are warmer? My thoughts dwell on
what it is like to be homeless, what it takes to survive without a
steady income, without a home, and without what most people think they
need in order to live.
Most people are fortunate never to experience
homelessness. But for those who do, it can be a very traumatic
experience that is hard to escape from, damaging physical and emotional
well-being along the way.
Dark Clouds
Many people only associate homelessness with sleeping
on the streets, but homelessness exists in many different forms – the
reality is that rough sleeping is only the most extreme. The vast
majority of homeless people are families or single people without a
permanent home. Some may be ‘sofa surfing’ whilst others live in
temporary accommodation. High levels of stress exist due to lack of
control over their housing situation, along with high levels of poverty,
isolation and vulnerability as well as detrimental effects on physical
health. The impact on homeless children can also be long-lasting, with
insecurity affecting their mental health, development, and educational
attainment.
The reasons for becoming homeless are many –
relationship breakdowns, drug or alcohol misuse, poor mental health,
worklessness, mortgage and rent arrears, to name a few. In this time of
economic crisis, many more people will become homeless. How far away are
any of us from it?
Ray
of Sunshine
Friary Drop-In offers a supportive respite for
homeless people, and gives practical help with food parcels, bedding,
clothing, and access to health and rehabilitation services, help and
advice with claiming benefits and finding accommodation. The Drop-In is
open each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, welcoming about 300
visitors each week into the warm café environment. There is a crèche for
children up to 8, and also an allotment project.
Unknown Horizons
You are reading this because you have an interest in this
organisation, and I thank you for that. Friary Drop-In relies heavily on
the goodwill of the many people who give donations of money or goods,
and volunteers who give their time and skills. The numbers of people
using Friary Drop-In services rise year on year. This year could be our
busiest ever and we need your help. There is much speculation that
charities such as ours will be hit hard with the economic crisis which
we are all experiencing now. May I thank you for your most welcome
contribution in whatever form that may have taken, and ask you to
continue to support our work into the future.