#simononthestreets

[purplepumpkinqueen]

I'm extremely excited to announce my next gig will be at the brilliant @rockseenuk #anotsosilentnight in aid of #simononthestreets a cause very close to my heart. I'll be playing with the awesome Ben Marsden from the Main Grains. 1st of December, Keighley exchange. Be there, be circle 💜❤️👻 #eloisekerry #rockseen #benMarsden #themaingrains #moderndaydukes #keighley #newwaveofclassicrock https://www.instagram.com/p/BpxQ9OfHsTB/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=htporcfc6l00

[rachel-brassbandsengland]

This short piece, written by one of our support workers, highlights the compassion and the skill they have for reaching out and offering empathy and support to those who ...

From a charity I met in Leeds. More from me later on listening, connecting and reaching people . This article reminds me that bands have the power to make a huge difference to individuals; to their members, their audiences - and also to other charitable organisations, by raising awareness and maybe even funds.

[homedleeds]

LUU VOLUNTEERING WEEK

Today marks the beginning of Volunteering Week at Leeds University Union! To celebrate, we're going to be having:

A cake sale on Wednesday in the union 10-4,

A talk by Simon on the Streets and documentary showing (event below) on Wednesday evening,

A talk on Thursday about helping the homeless to access services (event also below).

Please come and support us! 

Here is the event link to the Simon on the Streets talk: https://www.facebook.com/events/356685941200850/?ref=22

[homedleeds]

Our friends at Simon on the Streets are holding a Sleepout on Thursday for anyone who would like to get involved! It is a challenge to spend a night sleeping out in the open air to raise funds for Simon On The Streets.

Along with the actual sleep there will also be a unique opportunity to hear from some of the people we have supported which is a chance to learn about why homelessness is about so much more than simply having nowhere to live.

Here's the link to their website and the event: http://www.sleepwithsimon.co.uk/leeds#register

[humansofleeds]

Fourth and final story from my Simon on the Streets series. Raising awareness of the real reasons why people end up sleeping rough, what life is like for them and how Simon on the Streets aim to help.

“It’s not an easy job, being the General Manager for Simon on the Streets, but it's something I feel incredibly passionate about. My background is in criminal justice and drugs rehabilitation but I got disillusioned with the public sector due to its target-led culture. What I witnessed over and over was that people in the minority got side-lined and were basically dropped by the system, left to fend for themselves; without any kind of skills or support in place to help them change their lives for the better.”

“How is Simon on the Streets different?”

“We’re totally independently funded; we take no funding from the government whatsoever. That makes my job hard because I have to find all our funding from somewhere; but what that allows us to do is to tailor make support for people on an individual basis and to be flexible, so that when it doesn’t work we try again and again until we get it right, no matter how long it takes.”

“What challenges do you face, as an organisation?”

“There are many myths that need busting about our client group. No one ever picked up a Class A drug addiction so that they could become a better beggar, for example. And none of them are rough sleepers or drug addicts by choice. All of them have stories to tell that would break your heart; experiences of horrendous child abuse, impoverished lives, severe mental health issues, being let down over and over again by people and institutions that were meant to be looking after them. They learn that trusting no one is what keeps them safest and their addictions become a way for them to cope with the pain they have to deal with on a daily basis. We have so much work to do to gain their trust; it can take a long time. But we are committed to what we do and we will be there for them no matter what, to help them to access the support programs that are available in a way that is sustainable and achievable. We hope that in the end with our support, that our clients can get themselves off the streets and live safe and hopefully, happier lives.”