A tale of kindness
Helen, a staff member at St Mungo’s, has recently published a children’s book called Elvis.
Helen draws on her ten years’ experience in the homelessness sector to challenge damaging stereotypes.
“In the past I have worked with people sleeping rough and people at risk of homelessness after leaving prison.
Now I work for St Mungo’s as a Move On worker on a mental health ward. I work with hospital staff to create a plan for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness after they are discharged.
I have often been upset by the way the people I support are judged. Many people who have been admitted to hospital face losing their tenancy because of their actions whilst they were very unwell.
Some people use drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism. It’s a real challenge to make people understand the difference between anti-social behaviour and poor mental health. They are too quick to assume the worst of homeless people.