Homeless ... with no Sanctuary!

Homelessness

Something I've wanted to talk about for a while now as it has become close to my heart, I wanted to help people in some way for some time, so I done some research last year , I started with maybe helping in a womens' refuge, doing some hair at christmas time, just wanted to make these amazing brave women feel special and feel they look good, but unfortunately I was knocked back due to the nature of the refuge, I understand the women must keep there whereabouts undisclosed.  So I scrolled the internet and found this amazing project HAIRCUTS4HOMELESS, As I read about this remarkable guy Stewart Roberts I thought, Yes this is definitely for me, someway to help people with my skills,
so I took the plunge and rang him, he instantly made me feel at ease, well until he said,' ooh we havn't got anyone in Colchester, so you can be the Team Leader" , Oh Ok, well if you know me well Im not a natural born leader, so felt a tad hesitant, But When i started researching a place to start and planning, I really enjoyed it, And on day One Stewart me me feel comfortable and at ease.
To say Its been a learning curve is an understatement.  I am meeting some amazing, brave Selfless people...

my very first lovely lady, sorry for the not so great photo, I felt so humble listening, as she opened up to me within minutes of taking a seat, how she fights on a daily basis to overcome the addiction that has taken over her mind and body, and how she does this not knowing where she will sleep each night, Sofa surfing,? in a tent in a field?, simply a sleeping bag? Not having what I personally feel is every human beings right to have, there very own 'SANCTUARY', It may not be the same for          everyone, but its as I explained in my very first Blogpost,where I feel my most at ease, safe and        calm, Is my Home! During the last few months I've been meeting these wonderful people, I feel Ive grown as a person, having more of an understanding of peoples coping mechanisms, its a strength that keeps us going, its that Fight or Flight mode, Fighting for that simple human right, a safe place!

Most people probably have their own opinions about 'Homelessness' and how they see the people, maybe that 'drunk' laying on the pavement, smelly clothes, unshaven, stoned......maybe I was guilty of this perception , maybe just maybe if you went and bought a cup of tea and simply talked to a          homeless person, this simple act could change, make there day. And change your perception.                         

 I spoke to a wonderful guy called Mick at my last session,(yes I did ask for his permission to talk about him) he was so Funny, Articulate, charming, and honest with me, Im sure his story would resinate with many homeless people, he left his ex-wife in there family home, after losing his full  time job, the relationship broke down, out of respect for his wife and children, he started sofa  surfing, then didn't want to outstay his welcome, obviously being a single man in his 40's the council could not help him find accommodation, so this is where his homeless journey started.  Fast forward Five long years he now lives in a tent in a field, he wouldn't disclose which field or where, fighting an addiction, which he openly talked about, He stills sees his children, who he is very proud of, and actually said to me, which has stayed with me in my mind...."I couldn't live in a house or flat" why I asked? "well I don't think I could cope with the stress of paying bills and worrying about rent etc" in my naivety I thought he was going to saying, the thought of four walls surrounding me! I didn't even think about the stresses of finances, but that was what got him here in the beginning, so it makes complete sense.  As we were coming to the end of his haircut, we sat and carried on chatting, he stopped, looked at me and said "this is all I want, a lovely chat","Ive really enjoyed our chat", so a simple act of talking, which we take for granted, is all most homeless people would really want from you.  They're not asking for you to change there lives or even to give them money, a 'chat' is all!

  So when your walking ,going about your busy hectic day, If you do come across someone sitting in a doorway, or on the street maybe a simple"hello', 'how are you?', 'would you like a cup of tea?' may make someones day! I feel I have grown as a person since doing Haircuts4homeless, more                 understanding, No I don't always get it right, but i'm not done trying and some days I only cut One     persons hair, but do you know something I can say 'Ive made that persons day, and we had our chat      and I made them Smile!