The specific article she was reading was about rough sleeping but also encompassed addiction, alcoholism and why rough sleeping can never be cured http://thirdforcenews.org.uk/features/why-rough-sleeping-can-never-be-cured
I would encourage more of this, where if you come across something in your research, reading etc. that you feel would benefit the rest of the class, I would be more than happy to post for you and get the chatter going in the comments section!
On the 'third force news' site there are many other articles relating to all sorts of issues and it might be helpful to some of you should your research be centred around these issues.
There are sections for Health and Social Care and Social Justice and Poverty which are interesting and there is also the option to comment: http://thirdforcenews.org.uk/health-and-social-care
Thanks again, these are very helpful and are worth a look anyway should you have some spare time (precious, I know) to read about some very important social issues.
Mark
What an eye opener of an article. Just shows all is not as it seems and nobody should judge others until they have walked in their shoes. Terribly sad.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your reflections Hannah. I agree with you. I was surprised at quite a lot of the info in the first link. I feel it is always good to read, listen to and process as much data as possible in every context, so we can make informed decisions. I think this post might yield a fair few comments from the class.
ReplyDeleteI liked this article because I always wonder why or how people have come about sleeping rough and how they end up in these situations with alcohol and addictions etc. and to hear these real life stories from people who are living like this just makes you realise that life is not the same for everyone and it isn't as simple as just making suggestions or offering help, yes the help is there should people want it but some are so low they just carry on as they are. Absolutely agree with you Hannah it is very sad and we should never judge, everyone has a story.
ReplyDeleteThere was a chap who passed away recently in Edinburgh, a former soldier. I used to say hello to him most days at the top of the Waverley Steps just for a chat, sometimes gave him a few quid. But I never asked him any questions. He was a perfectly delightful person and only on reading of his death a week or so ago, did I realise that he decided NOT to accept money, assistance from a charity set up for ex service persons, which was his choice. I wonder why? Perhaps he was ashamed, didn't want handouts, didn't feel he needed help? I also observed the day after he died that a different homeless person had taken his spot. Two people on the escalator in front of me were making silly comments such as "THEY are filling dead man's shoes so early", or words to that effect, and yet when I got to the top of the steps, the man (in the soldier's regular spot) was sobbing uncontrollably clutching a photo of his deceased pal. A wee shroud saying 'yet another unnecessary fallen angel sign' had be crudely made but it was extremely heartfelt. Community spirit and looking out for one another right there. The 'suits' ahead of me just tutted. Judgements, there's always judgements I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteLink to that very sad story: https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/our-region/edinburgh/homeless-edinburgh-soldier-of-waverley-steps-dies-aged-47-1-4662452
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad, it seems to be that there are many living on the streets as a way of life that they have become accustomed to but yes, everyone has their own story and reasons and the judgements made on people are continual. I don't know much about what the Army or the government do when a Soldier leaves the forces but there are so many stories now of ex soldiers living on the streets? I would have presumed that after serving their time that the Army would support them in maintaining a life after the Army?
DeleteYes, that was my presumption too, and without knowing the facts, I would fully expect this to be the case. I can't help but think that this was a tragedy which could have been avoided and I am sure he had perfectly sound reasons not to accept help from the charity. It is all just so terribly sad really.
DeleteIt is terrible that there is so many people in this country having to live on the streets its certainly not a choice. I saw on the news today that the government are wanting to increase alcohol to a minimum of 50 pence a unit they say it is going to save lives! How is this going to be possible for people whom live on the streets and its the only way they can get through the night they are going to end up drinking anything they can like petrol or white spirits people will end up selling this kind of thing on the cheap. Personally I don't believe this is going to save lives and not enough help and support is there for the homeless our government don't seem to make it possible for them in my mind!
ReplyDeleteWendy
Hi Wendy, thanks for your comments. You make some really good observations here. I too don’t believe the issue of homelessness is given enough Governmental support. There are many charities doing their very best but the problem doesn’t seem to be diminishing at an acceptable rate as far as I can see.
DeleteIt certainly is not Mark if it was not for the charity’s they would have nothing at all !
ReplyDeleteTotally agree. I listened to a stunning presentation on life after being in the services yesterday and the topic of support for those homeless was raised. It was humbling, well researched and frustrating at the lack of support given. There can be no doubt that the charities do an amazing job, sometimes with limited resources.
ReplyDelete