Mental health is a shared journey
It’s Mental Health awareness week. Mental Health and homelessness are tightly connected and about three quarters of the people we work with need support for their mental health. Leon Eckford, our Repairs and Voids Manager and member of our Lived Experience Network, shares his thoughts. At St Mungo’s, we are dedicated to ending homelessness, recognising that lacking a stable home is a significant factor in mental health challenges. My experience as an Outreach Manager in Tower Hamlets highlighted how exposure to trauma and violence perpetuates the struggle for many people. Rough sleepers face constant risks, from physical violence to sexual assault, exacerbating mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The struggle for basic needs like food and shelter deepens feelings of hopelessness and despair, further deteriorating mental wellbeing. Moreover, the physical toll of homelessness compounds these challenges, leading to a complex interplay between mental and physical health. Mental Health Awareness Week serves as a global platform to educate, destigmatize, and advocate for better resources and support systems. Through seminars, workshops, and community events, the aim is to foster understanding and provide resources for those affected. Breaking down societal barriers and encouraging conversations around mental health is vital for overall wellbeing. Several factors contribute to the rise in mental health issues. Improved societal attitudes lead more individuals to seek help, though reliance on medication as a quick-fix solution poses its own challenges. Reflecting on past societal norms, particularly regarding male mental health, underscores the progress made but also the work left to do in combating stigma. Modern life introduces various stressors, from financial pressures to social media-induced comparisons, exacerbated by the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis. Technology, while beneficial, also contributes to feelings of isolation. Personal experiences, such as growing up in a single-parent household, highlight the impact of family structure on mental wellbeing. While genetics and biology play a role, environmental factors significantly influence mental health outcomes. Despite these challenges, there are simple strategies to manage mental health and emotional wellbeing. Recognising that it’s a journey, seeking support, and finding personalised coping mechanisms are crucial steps. This year’s campaign mantra, #momentsformovement, emphasizes the importance of staying active and connected. Maintaining supportive relationships and seeking professional help when needed are vital for navigating mental health challenges. In closing, let’s prioritise peace, love, and light, remembering that mental health is a shared journey.
NEW DATA: Government data shows 33% increase in rough sleeping numbers in London
Headline Statistics New data was released today (30 April 2024) by the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) which covers January to March 2024. In total, 4,118 people were recorded as rough sleeping in London between January to March 2024, this is an increase of 33% on the same period last year. 2,038 people rough sleeping for the first time, a 37% increase on the same figure this time last year. 511 people deemed to be living on the streets, 36% higher than the same figure this time last year. 1,637 people were intermittently rough sleeping, 29% higher than the same period last year. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) also published data today for October – December 2023, which shows an increase in statutory homelessness. 78,980 households were homeless or at risk of homelessness, an increase of 8.8% from the same period last year. The figures also demonstrate an increasingly unstable private rented sector, with 44.4% of the households at risk of homelessness renting privately – an increase of 7.2% from last year. Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, Emma Haddad, said: “It is truly devastating to see yet another rise in homelessness across London and a 37% increase in those sleeping rough for the first time. Every day our outreach teams are trying to support more people off the streets, but the huge shortage of affordable and appropriate housing makes this really challenging. With the Mayoral and London Assembly Elections this week, and a general election to come, we urge those elected to make ending homelessness a priority. Homelessness devastates lives, and our collective focus must be on preventing it at all costs.”
Neurodiversity Celebration Week – My own experiences of ADHD
It is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which is an excellent opportunity to spread awareness of neurodiversity and celebrate what it means to be neurodiverse. Lottie Baker, Service Manager at Grange Road, gives us an insight into her own experiences of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and how this has positively impacted her work. At 27 I was diagnosed with ADHD. I’d wondered about it for years, but I wasn’t diagnosed as a child so I figured I couldn’t have it. As research and information about adult ADHD grew, l realised more and more it matched my experience of the world. After years of thinking about it I decided it was time to resolve the lingering question mark. After diagnosis, there’s relief, finally you know what is going on and why you find things harder than most people. There’s also a sense of sadness for many, reflecting on what you could have done if you’d known sooner or all the times you exhausted yourself trying to keep up with others, not knowing your brain simply worked differently to theirs and made it harder. It’s easy to fall into this thinking, but I also found that ADHD benefitted me in ways I wouldn’t have considered. As a project worker ADHD helped me be proactive and step up to solve problems I saw needed to be addressed. My brain loves solving problems and puzzles, so I could apply this to my everyday work and use it to create opportunities for my development. I was also calm under pressure and during incidents. The adrenaline and high-pressure environment calmed my brain, in the same way ADHD medication does, and helped me zone in on what needed to be done. Looking back, I can see that ADHD made me a good fit for this line of work. In a sector where things change quickly, need urgent attention, require problem solving and quick thinking, my fast past brain thrives and can be used to its full potential. To make the most of ADHD brains at work there needs to be support to utilise the strengths, but also support with challenges. So, I want to share some of the things I’ve found helped: Be kind to yourself Be honest: If you find something hard, talk about it and explain why it’s hard for you. You need to be honest about what support you need. Change what you can: Adapt ways of working if you can. If things can’t be changed identify the barrier and how you can work around it (e.g. something is boring, and you find it hard to complete – can you factor in rewards or gamify it to make your brain more interested) Find what works for you: What works for one won’t for another, so be flexible and test things out. There’s endless advice and tips online so research and find what works. Share and talk about it: ADHD can make you feel isolated, if you can talk to other ADHD people. Don’t underestimate how much talking to someone who understands your experience can help. There are a wide variety of webinars you can get involved with and resources you can download on the Neurodiversity Celebration Week website.
“One of my most treasured experiences with St Mungo’s” – The Client Challenge 2023
Person-centred support is so important when helping people recover from homelessness, engaging people in ways which bring out their unique talents and interests. We run events throughout the year so that the people we support can experience new things and explore what matters to them outside of homelessness. Here, Regional Fundraising Coordinator Alexandra Henden talks about one of our most recent events, a camping and walking weekend in Dorset. This weekend I supported on the St Mungo’s Client Challenge which is an annual event where we bring together staff, volunteers and clients from all areas of the charity. We camp together and organise a walking challenge on both days with the option to stay behind enjoying other activities if walking isn’t for you, so it’s completely accessible. This year the challenge took place in Dorset and brought together our services in Bristol, Bournemouth and London. On the walks, we got to see some wonderfully picturesque spots in the wooded lowlands and the coast of Lulworth Cove, and in the evenings, there were creative activities including illustration and T-shirt printing, skill-building workshops on bushcraft, and music around the campfire. I have to say it will be up there as one of my most treasured experiences with St Mungo’s; discovering somewhere new, joining together in an activity and connecting a wonderful array of people from the charity across two days. Clients were also really enthused, and you can read a few of their quotes below: “A massive thanks to you and the rest of the staff as it was the best camping trip I’ve been on and my anxiety didn’t bother me all weekend” “I’m glad I went. And I’m also proud that I managed to travel home from Waterloo by myself, that’s boosted my confidence as well.” “Thanks for a great weekend really enjoyed it can’t wait for next one” To keep up to date with all our events, and the incredible work of our colleagues, volunteers and clients, you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also find out about how you can get involved and support us in our goal of ending homelessness.
“Although my contribution can feel small, it has a big impact”
James is a Web Developer volunteer with our arts magazine, Homeless Diamonds. To celebrate our 50th Edition launched this summer, James shares his experience of volunteering with us and how the magazine has changed his perspective on homelessness. I’ve been volunteering as a web developer for Homeless Diamonds, an arts magazine which features a compilation of writing and art by people associated with St Mungo’s, for the past 8 years. I started volunteering as I was looking for something to do, to use my skills and give a little bit back, so the role within Homeless Diamonds was perfect for me! I built the website that hosts the digital copies of the magazine. When I first started, I had a backlog of past issues to upload. Now I help out three times a year, when the magazine comes out. My role is to make sure the latest edition is up on the website, formatted correctly and all the content links to the contributors are included. It’s fantastic being able to help, and although my contribution can feel small, it has a big impact in spreading the reach of Homeless Diamonds – and the wider the spread, the greater the impact! I always look forward to hearing when the latest edition is about to drop and feel privileged to get a sneak preview of the magazine before it’s printed. Through my volunteering with Homeless Diamonds, I’ve learnt that homelessness isn’t just a point in time, it’s a journey. When you see someone homeless, it’s easy to think there’s a quick fix – put them in a house – however there’s often a whole range of things that have got them to that point. To that end, I think there’s a lot of blame the individuals get for this, which is unduly put at their door, when it is often not something that they can fix independently. That’s why how St Mungo’s intercepts this journey and supports people in their recovery is so important. Homeless diamonds provides a lens on the thoughts and lives of St Mungo’s clients. The magazine gives a voice, which may be difficult to get out otherwise. I’d really encourage everyone to read even just a single edition as I know you will find it eye-opening. Check out the 50th edition here.
Recognising the past when planning for the future
An advance statement for people who have experienced homelessness Compassion in Dying and St Mungo’s, in partnership with their residents, have developed an Advance Statement for people who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness. Why We know that when people are able to consider and record their preferences for treatment and care, and are supported to do so, it can have a positive effect on their end-of-life experience. It also provides peace of mind and reassurance to people in the present, knowing that steps have been taken to ensure their wishes will be respected in the future. For people experiencing homelessness, there is often little support available to plan ahead. As the CQC reported, the needs of homeless people are not well understood or considered by health and care services and where services do exist, they are often fragmented and work in relative isolation. In light of this, Compassion in Dying and St Mungo’s worked in partnership at their registered care homes, to co-develop the advanced statement for people experiencing homelessness. St Mungo’s care homes provide care and support to individuals with a range of complex needs, all of whom have experience of homelessness. The aim was to work with St Mungo’s residents to find out what information they needed to enable them to make a decision about if planning ahead was right for them, and what support they needed to do so. A form that resonates and better conversations Through a series of workshops and one-to-one conversations with residents at two St Mungo’s homes, we learnt a lot about how people who have experienced homelessness feel about the notion of choice and making decisions about the future. Some people found thinking about advance care planning hard and others felt it was pointless. Some people did want to plan ahead because they had been affected by the deaths of others, and found doing so gave them confidence in what might happen in the future. People shared deeply personal experiences and insights into what would make an advance statement feel relevant to them. We are publishing the form so that other people who have experienced homelessness can have access to a way to record their wishes that has been designed by people who have walked in similar shoes to them. And so that professionals who might be having such conversations understand how some people who have experienced homelessness perceive advance care planning, and why some might not want to have such conversations. Starting a conversation by exploring identity We asked people to bring one thing to a conversation that was important to them and their identity. Suggesting day-to-day items like warm socks if they feel the cold, a favourite record or a book they’ve enjoyed. People spoke passionately about what mattered to them. They discussed music they enjoyed and watching TV: “Things like having access to TV and Wi-Fi can make a big difference to our lives”. They also chatted about the foods and drinks they liked, this was particularly important to many: “I like Strongbow and a large Whiskey.” The importance of the past Talking about the important things in their lives now, made many people reflect on their history and experiences. Some shared stories from before they became homeless and the important parts of their identity back then, such as religion, family and socialising. Some talked about their achievements and the people they had met along the way. Times they were proud of were important to share. One person spoke about spending time writing about their past as a way of processing and that looking back was a cathartic way of living in the present: “I write autobiographical stuff, people I have met in my life.” Other people mentioned their addictions, and one talked about how his experience as a homeless person made him realise he likes to help other people. Current needs were often more important than thinking about the future When thinking about their health and care wishes for the future, many people instead wanted to talk about their current needs. A common theme was how they struggled to get the care they needed and suffered from ill health with little support: “at the moment some people don’t feel listened to and feel that their needs are not being fulfilled”. This often led on to speaking about the multiple struggles people were contending with, such as financial troubles and benefit support: “people have a lot of different problems to cope with right now”. For some advance care planning was, understandably, low on the list of much more pressing things that needed addressing in their lives: “What’s the point? We need to change the bigger picture”. It’s important to acknowledge that for many people who have experienced homelessness, advance care planning may be challenging and emotive and they may not want to engage in it. This should always be respected. The absence of choice The concept of having choice felt alien and therefore difficult for some people to engage with. For most, they said that they are not offered a lot of options in their life, be that where they live, what they eat or how they choose to spend their time. A common response to questions about what matters to them was “I don’t mind”. The sessions also brought out some deeper feelings that people were grappling with, with many reflecting on the independence they once had: “Independence is very important to people, and it can be frustrating to feel you may have lost some control of your life”. Similarly some talked about the lack of agency they continually felt. For some people, being asked about what they would want to happen to them in certain situations in the future therefore felt more like a confrontation of choice, rather than the considered process of planning that was intended. The feeling of absence of choice is not unique to those experiencing homelessness when it comes to health and care services. This
Lettuce in! Comedian Kerry Godliman and ITV visit Putting Down Roots
The actor, Kerry Godliman, got her hands dirty yesterday when she visited our Putting Down Roots garden in Cedar’s Road, Clapham along with an ITV London crew. Kerry, who is an avid gardener, met with our Horticulture Skills Manager, Matt Woodruff, who gave her a tour of the garden and talked about the aims of our Putting Down Roots project. Matt introduced her to some of the clients who are benefitting from the project including Lily, the ‘compost queen’, who harvested a great selection of fruit and vegetables for Kerry to take away as a memento of the day. Kerry spoke to ITV about her love of gardening and how it has helped her wellbeing, whilst Lily explained how Putting Down Roots has helped her to find her focus. The filming was packaged into a news piece, and was featured on ITV News London, across both the 6pm and 10pm news! Great awareness of the amazing work at Putting Down Roots, which you can view here. Putting Down Roots is a horticultural therapy and training project, using gardening as a way of helping client’s in their recovery. The programme teaches clients the practical skills needed to grow and maintain a wide selection of plants, including flowers, fruit and vegetables. Over the past 21 years, the programme has supported hundreds of people in their recovery from homelessness and supported them to build their confidence, learn new skills and provide a sense of routine. Kerry is a loyal supporter of our work and has helped to raise awareness of what we do. She has participated in our Take the Lead fundraising campaign, and last year she visited our award-winning Putting Down Roots garden at the Chelsea Flower Show.
LGBTQIA+ and Homelessness
At St Mungo’s, there are many reasons why promoting equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamentally important for us. The people we support are more likely to experience disadvantage and discrimination, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+. In this blog, we look at the link between LGBTQIA+ communities and homelessness, as well as how we support people. What is the link between LGBTQIA+ people and homelessness? Many LGBTQIA+ people still experience discrimination and bigotry and this can have an effect on home environments. This can result in them needing to leave home, sometimes without anywhere to go. As much as 24% of young people who are at risk of homelessness are LGBTQIA+ (Akt, 2015). Data from the charity Akt shows that many young LGBTQIA+ people experiencing homelessness aren’t aware of what services are available to support them, or are worried about experiencing discrimination in those services. Their 2021 report shows that 50% of young people fear that expressing their identity may end in being made to leave home. Before becoming homeless, 61% felt frightened or intimidated by family members. How does St Mungo’s help support LGBTQIA+ individuals? At St Mungo’s, we make sure our services are informed about LGBTQIA+ issues, and are welcoming to everyone regardless of sexual or gender identity. When referring people to our different kinds of accommodation, we assess whether that environment is right for them, including any support needs they might have, and what will make them feel most safe. Sometimes, single gender places are the best fit for the people we’re supporting, and in these cases we always make sure that people go to the accommodation that best fits their gender identity, unless they request otherwise. Our staff are trained on LGBTQIA+ issues, and we continually assess and consider the experience of our clients through feedback forms and services. How does St Mungo’s support and welcome LGBTQIA+ staff? We work with Stonewall UK and we are 14th on their Top Employers List. Stonewall has also awarded St Mungo’s a prestigious Gold Award, which celebrates organisations that go above and beyond to empower LGBTQIA+ staff members to be themselves at work. For the great inclusion work achieved by our LGBTQIA+ Network, St Mungo’s has also received a Highly Commended Network Group award.
First Response: a great place to start
Kouame is one of our First Response volunteers in Westminster. First Response teams receive alerts from the public about the locations where people are sleeping rough. The teams then provide extra information to outreach teams, confirming that people are still there and what kind of help they might need. Here, Kouame shares his experience of St Mungo’s, both as someone who was supported by us, and now as someone who volunteers with the First Response team. I started to volunteer with First Response in July 2022 and it’s been very good for me. I’ve been learning new things. I used to volunteer many years ago with a Church organisation in South London. Their way of doing it was a bit different to St Mungo’s, as people would come to them for support. I prefer going to people who are rough sleeping to offer support because sometimes it’s not easy for some people to go to particular places. I prefer the way that the St Mungo’s outreach and First Response team does it. I used to be homeless a few years ago and I was supported by St Mungo’s until last year when I moved into my own flat. I was still living in St Mungo’s accommodation when I applied to volunteer with First Response. St Mungo’s was everything when I was homeless, they helped me with every aspect of my life and I said to myself that I would like to give back. When I was in their accommodation, St Mungo’s helped me with absolutely everything. It was like my home. It was so welcoming, St Mungo’s was my family and it still is. Every single thing was done by the team, from lawyers to accommodation to food, clothing, everything. On a typical day I go to the Westminster Outreach Office to start my shift. The team are very welcoming and tell you to feel free to get yourself a drink and relax. If the other volunteer is already there, you take the time to introduce yourself and share the experiences that we already have. Then we look at the referrals list and try to arrange them in way that would be easiest for us to go through and look for people. We can then send some feedback to the Outreach Team by text messages or sometimes by calling them. Very often we get the right guidance of what to do and I find it very helpful to speak to the Outreach Team in this way. For instance, we would tell the Outreach Team that it would be fine to call this client because we believe they need support. If you want to be a good volunteer, you need to be good at listening to people and not assuming anything. As humans we assume a lot of things but there are so many different situations that bring people into homelessness and I have seen people from all different backgrounds. But the average person when seeing people who are sleeping rough might put everybody in the same boat like, “oh they’re just lazy and don’t want to work” and pass them by. So they need people like the Outreach Team to try to talk to them. I believe that First Response is a very interesting volunteering experience for anyone aspiring to be a part of the Outreach Team or who wants to work with people experiencing homelessness in the future. It’s something that I would recommend to anyone who is willing to join as a volunteer, First Response is a great place to start.
Ioan’s Story
Edward, one of our Roma Outreach Mediators, shares his story of meeting Ioan, and supporting him out of homelessness. In any story, if it’s a good story, there is that which is seen and that which is hidden. This is especially true in stories about us, the Roma community. There are the actions we see, a contest of ignorance and prejudice, followed by perseverance and commitment. Meet Ioan, a 49-year-old Romanian gentleman who has slept outside on a mattress for the last ten years until 2022. Ioan’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the struggles faced by those who are experiencing homelessness and dealing with health issues. Ioan found himself in hospital not once, not twice, but three times in one year due to heart failure. His medical situation is complicated, with multiple conditions that require ongoing treatment and monitoring. I came across Ioan by happenstance as I was about to finish my shift and saw him waiting patiently for an appointment with his local doctor. Ioan had a friendly voice that prompted me to ask if he’d like me to accompany him. Ioan agreed saying it would help him greatly. It was then when I learned about his medical situation. It saddened me. The following days I dedicated most of my time in bringing this gentleman to a place of safety, and ultimately to ending his homelessness. The bureaucratic barriers that Ioan faces, including his lack of access to public funds due to his immigration status and multiple rejections for Universal Credit, further compound his difficulties. It is a frustrating and often demoralising experience to navigate through a complex system that seems designed to exclude or ignore those who are most in need of help. I began investigating about his immigration status, benefits, exploring housing options, medical situation and to learn how to address it better. It was a mammoth piece of work endorsed by the partner organisation which I was working in conjunction with. Ioan struggled with alcohol dependency. We tried to help him by engaging him with motivational talk; linking him with wellbeing services, medical professionals, and approaching his family and friends for assistance. Everyone was responsive, but nothing appeared to work. Ioan was placed in a temporary accommodation because he was due for his third heart surgery, so we had to make sure he was rested and hoped he wouldn’t drink. He didn’t; he was sober as a judge all along. It was at that point that I realised there is light at the end of the tunnel. The surgery did not go as planned, it was postponed, and when Ioan left the accommodation, he collapsed on the street and awoke in the hospital. I gathered as much medical evidence as I could, researched as best I could, and requested a Romanian translator to translate. Backed up with information, Ioan’s support worker who he’d worked with previously, a Romanian translator and Ioan himself, Ioan began a care assessment. The result came after a week – it was a pass. The dynamic shifted at that point in Ioan’s favour and he was placed in accommodation. The following days all actions, medical appointments followed their typical rhythms. Ioan got registered with the local Wellbeing Service which he is engaging very well with to this day. And there’s more: Ioan’s application for Personal Independent Payment was also approved, meaning he now has a monthly income. Ioan remains resilient and determined to find a way forward. His experiences serve as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and understanding in our society, particularly towards those who are marginalised and facing multiple challenges. It is important to remember that behind every person experiencing homelessness, there is a story and a human being deserving of dignity, respect, and support.
