August 2021 Issue 133: Know Your Rights Missing

The free magazine for homeless people

July – August 2021 Issue 133: Know Your Rights Missing

David Skerrett Vin Bu David went missing from Bognor Regis, Vin has been missing from Reading, West Sussex on 8 May 2019. He was 63 Berkshire since 5 October 2020. He years old at the time. was 16 at the time of his disappearance. David, we’re here for you whenever you Vin can call our free, con dential need us. We can talk through your helpline for support and options, send a message for you and advice without judgement and the help you be safe. Call/text 116 000. opportunity to send a message to It’s free and con dential. loved ones. Call/text 116 000 or email [email protected].

If you think you may know something about David or Vin, you can contact our helpline anonymously on 116 000 or [email protected], or you can send a letter to ‘Freepost Missing People’.

Our helpline is also available for anyone who is missing, away from home or thinking of leaving. We can talk through your options, give you advice and support or pass a message to someone. Registered charity in England and Wales (1020419) and in Scotland (SC047419) Free and con dential A lifeline when someone disappears

TURN TO PAGES A – P FOR THE LIST OF SERVICES

2 | the Pavement Issue 133: Know Your Rights WELCOME

Cover: This issue's mesmeric cover § TURN TO PAGES A – P artwork is by Michelle Christopher, FOR THE LIST OF SERVICES founder of the Christopher Arts Foundation, a home for artists experiencing homelessness. See more of her artwork on Instagram at Contents Christopher Arts Foundation. About us...... 4 © Michelle Christopher Editorial...... 5 The Pavement magazine News...... 6 – 11 Special...... 12 – 13 • www.thepavement.org.uk Interview...... 14 – 15 • twitter.com/thepavementmag • facebook.com/thepavementmag Cartoon...... 16 • instagram.com/pavement_magazine Vagrancy act...... 17 Journey...... 18 – 19 London/Scotland Issue 133 July – August 2021 Vaccine...... 20 – 21 Published by the Pavement Mat's column...... 22 – 23 Registered Charity Number 1110656 Pets...... 24 – 25 www.thepavement.org.uk Best & worst 2...... 26 – 27 Editor: Jake Cudsi [email protected] Neighbour...... 28 Web editor: Kieran Hughes [email protected] Humour...... 29 Designer: Marco Biagini [email protected] Comic...... 30 Writers/Researchers: Mat Amp (Deputy Editor), Paul Atherton, Your rights...... 31 Nicola Baird, Alanna Baldwin, Regina Coker-Ogunsola, Giselle Green, Matt Hobbs, Kieran Hughes, Ian Kalman, Alastair Murray, The List (centre)...... A – P Garnet Roach, Chris Sampson, Sarka, Bronagh Sheridan, Sheryle Thomas, Steve Walker Artwork: Ken Pyne, Rosie Roksoph, Mike Stokoe The Pavement is written for your entertainment and information. London Co-ordinator: position vacant Whilst every effort is made [email protected] to ensure the accuracy of the Scotland Co-ordinator Marco Biagini publication, the Pavement cannot [email protected] be held responsible for the use of the information it publishes. The contents should not be relied upon The Pavement is a member of as a substitute for medical, legal or IMPRESS professional advice. The Pavement is The Independent Monitor of The a forum for discussion, and opinions Press. For more Information on the expressed in the paper are not Pavement’s complaints policy and necessarily those of the Pavement. how to make a complaint visit: The Pavement (print) ISSN 1757-0476 thepavement.org.uk/complaint The Pavement (online) ISSN 1757-0484

July / August 2021 the Pavement | 3 ABOUT US

Welcome to the Pavement: a magazine for homeless readers

We’re a small charity, founded in London in 2005, producing a pocket-sized mag full of news, views and cartoons that helps people in moments of crisis as well as giving info which may be needed to move on. Right in the centre is a list of places to help you. We believe that sleeping rough is physically and mentally harmful, but reject the view that a one-size-fits-all approach to getting people off the ShowerBox founder with the streets works. Each issue we print previous issue of the Pavement 8,500 FREE bimonthly magazines © ShowerBox written for homeless and insecurely- housed readers in London and Summer essentials: Services such Scotland. You can find the Pavement as ShowerBox, offering free showers at hostels, day centres, homeless and access to essentials such as bottled water and sanitary products, surgeries, soup-runs and libraries. take on a huge importance during the summer months, as we battle to beat the heat and stay hydrated. Help needed So the Pavement was delighted to meet Sarah Lamptey (pictured We are always looking for volunteer above), founder of ShowerBox, at journalists and photographers to the service’s St Giles-in-the-Fields create exclusive content that’s home. You can now find copies of the Pavement here while the service written with our readers in mind. is open on Saturday, 11am-3pm. As We particularly welcome those pandemic restrictions are gradually who’ve experienced homelessness. lifted, many day centres will begin to Or can you fundraise or donate so open again. Find basic information we can keep providing the Pavement on a few of these in our centre for free? We also need London pages. Also, keep an eye out for volunteers to help with distribution. water refill stations beginning to A big thank you to our readers and be operational again. These refill stations can be found at major writers. transport stations across the UK. • [email protected]

4 | the Pavement Issue 133: Know Your Rights EDITORIAL Writing on rights Regular readers of the Pavement will know that our writers often write about the rights of homeless people, and are always finding wrongs to write about, too. But this issue’s theme isn’t some elaborate excuse to work The Clash into the issue. No, in this magazine we hope you learn a little more about your rights, and are, hopefully, made aware of how to right a few wrongs. You can find the regular news, views and cartoons inside, as well as a series of articles centred on the issue’s theme. These include a report into a groundbreaking Homeless Bill of Rights (p12); an interview with an NHS walk-in centre offering a dentistry service to homeless people (p14); and the latest on the miserable Vagrancy Act (p17). Following on from the takeover of our last issue by our solutions-based journalism trainees, many graduates of the European Journalism Centre-funded scheme have also contributed words to this magazine. This Charity walk: Good luck to Peter Henshaw (pictured) on his training is important when discussing the remarkable effort to walk from the rights of homeless people, and the skills they Scottish parliament in Edinburgh learned will help our readers better understand all the way to London – and then their rights, which should solve some wrongs. back again. Henshaw will cover So thanks to them, thanks to our other a distance of almost 900 miles, contributors, and thanks to you, the reader. raising funds for Shelter and Shelter Scotland. On his journey Please use the List on the centre pages of this Henshaw will be relying on mag to find food and recovery support. If you members of the public for food, have WiFi then go to www.pavement.org.uk. and will be sleeping rough to raise awareness of homelessness. Stay safe. • Follow his August journey: the Pavement team www.facebook.com/groups/13 www.pavement.org.uk 1492928820786/?ref=share

July / August 2021 the Pavement | 5 NEWS Written by Jake Cudsi & Bronagh Sheridan

Caroline Allouf (right) of Tricky Period at the Art auction group’s new pick-up point in King’s Cross. © Tricky Period A series of artworks were auctioned off in May during Mental Health Awareness Week to Tricky Period pick up support emerging artists and raise funds for The Haven + London, a Tricky Period, the group working to charity dedicated to supporting end period poverty by supplying the emotional, spiritual and mental sanitary products for free distribution wellbeing of the creative community across London, have opened a new in London. The Haven + London collection point in King’s Cross supports a number of artists station. The pick-up point is in experiencing homelessness, and the collaboration with London North works auctioned off will help to raise Eastern Railway (LNER), and is funds for these artists. The auction located at the information point was part of a wider exhibition run of the station’s main concourse. by The Haven + London called ‘The Anyone wanting a sanitary product Wilderness Project’. One of the artists only has to ask for the products they in the exhibition, Alice Karveli, who need at the collection point, and the has experienced homelessness since items will be provided free of charge the pandemic last year, outlined the and without question. The collection importance of the auction, saying point operates Monday – Sunday artists like herself “are actually trying from 9am – 8pm. to thrive and manage a life and an • To find your nearest Tricky Period art practice in such a changing and collection point, see the List, or challenging world, we definitely need visit https://trickyperiod.com/ support.” pick-up-points

6 | the Pavement Issue 133: Know Your Rights NEWS

Renewed hostility

So much for the Home Office being Housing reported the government “truly sorry” for the woeful Hostile had confirmed it missed its target, Environment policy, which was but wouldn’t say how many homes apparently disowned soon after had actually been built. an independent review into the Windrush scandal in 2018. More than 65 homelessness organisations Eviction notice signed a joint statement in May this year condemning government plans The Joseph Rowntree Foundation to use rough sleeping as grounds for warned a wave of evictions would removing someone from the UK. The occur in England, as the government government plans are part of a new lifted the renter eviction ban on 31 immigration rule that criminalises May. About one million households and deports migrant rough sleepers. fear losing their homes, as eviction Liberty Investigates revealed in bans are lifted and eviction notice April that the Home Office had periods drop from six to four months. acknowledged the new rules Meanwhile, 400,000 renters have may discriminate against ethnic already received, or been told they minorities. will receive, an eviction notice. Research commissioned by the charity indicates people on lower Off-target incomes, Black and minority ethnic households had the highest levels Knowing Everyone In, the scheme of concern. The BBC quoted Joseph which saw homeless people put up Rowntree Foundation economist in hotels during lockdown in the Rachelle Earwaker warning she, pandemic, would eventually have “worried that there will be a wave of to be replaced with a longer term, homelessness coming through." realistic goal to end homelessness, • For tenant advice and support the government announced its visit Generation Rent at intention to fund 3,348 new homes https://www.generationrent.org for people sleeping rough, allocating • Or, in Scotland, visit Living Rent more than £150m to councils in here: https://www.livingrent.org October last year. The homes were • You can also contact Citizens to be built by the end of March Advice. Call 0800 144 8848 if 2021, the government said, but the you’re in England, or call 0800 deadline came and went without 028 1456 if you’re in Scotland being met. In late May Inside

July / August 2021 the Pavement | 7 NEWS

Tourist trap

According to BBC South West, Teesside where he grew up. families living in temporary Speaking to Teesside Live, Ladi accommodation in Cornwall have said: “There is always something you been removed from hotels to make can do, you don’t have to be waiting way for paying customers wanting for jobs on a building site, there are to visit the southern coastline. opportunities out there.” Approximately 130 people have been moved out of these hotels already. According to Olly Monk, councillor for Newquay Trenance, business owners now “want to get back to normality”, realising that “they can make more money going back to their normal business model.” The number of households in temporary accommodation in Cornwall more than doubled in 2020, with the council planning to invest £40m into increasing their emergency, long-term and specialist accommodation stock.

A vintage story Bookworms: Exciting news from the world of books. Author Jennifer Following the death of his mother Kavanagh’s latest work, Let Me at 17, Ladi was made homeless. Take You by the Hand, collects and After seven years of sofa-surfing maps stories of homeless people in and house-sitting in London, he London today. The book, released gradually realised his passion for in early June and published by selling vintage clothing. At 31, Ladi Little, Brown, features research and is now a successful fashion trader writing by the Pavement’s very own on the online marketplace Depop. Mat Amp and Alastair Murray. To Being one of the biggest sellers of find out more about the book, and band merchandise in the country, his where to purchase, visit here: business has taken him around the www.littlebrown.co.uk/titles/ globe. Due to his online success, he jennifer-kavanagh/let-me-take- now plans to open his own shop in you-by-the-hand/9781408713136

8 | the Pavement Issue 133: Know Your Rights NEWS

SARprise

Changes to housing support came Thomas’ Hospital in Lambeth. The into force at the end of May, aim of the detox unit is to support providing extra financial assistance people who sleep rough to safely to care leavers up to the age of withdraw from alcohol and drugs, the 25 and anyone who has lived in first steps of a “treatment journey,” a homeless hostel, regardless of according to a government press age, for three months or more. The release. The service also offers changes, which will see an increase peer support and a holistic support to the Shared Accommodation programme. Rate (SAR) and changes to the Local Housing Allowance (LHA), were originally set to be introduced Outlaw living in 2023, but have been brought forward. Minister for Welfare Voters in Austin, Texas passed a Delivery, Will Quince said, “these proposal to criminalise homelessness changes are an immediate boost for in the city. Proposition B (Prop B), a some of the most vulnerable young ballot proposal banning homeless people in our community.” encampments in “unapproved public • Read up on these changes to the places” and making it a criminal SAR and LHA here: offence to lie down, camp, or solicit www.gov.uk/government/news/ money in public areas was passed care-leavers-and-homeless- on 1 May, receiving 57% of the people-could-receive-extra- vote. The ban went into effect on housing-support 11 May. A wider ban on homeless encampments across Texas state was pending final approval by governor Detox time Greg Abbott when the Pavement went to press. House Bill 1925 had Public Health England London (PHE been approved by the Senate and London) have set up the capital’s the House of the state on 28 May. very first detox unit for homeless The Bill bans camping in unapproved people. The unit was set up in public places, punishable by a fine partnership with the Greater London of up to $500, reports the Texas Authority, Guy's and St Thomas' Tribune. NHS Foundation Trust, borough councils and the City of London Corporation. The Addiction Clinical Care Suite opened on 14 June at St

July / August 2021 the Pavement | 9 SCOTLAND

Glasgow City Mission (GCM) opened a new upgraded winter project, the Overnight Welcome Centre (OWC) last winter, providing shelter for people who would otherwise have had to sleep rough in Glasgow. The OWC, like previous GCM winter night shelters, ran from 1 December to 31 March. Hosted in a city centre hotel, the OWC offered a 24-hour service for the first time in GCM winter night shelter history. Staff at the centre were available at all times to provide individual support to the 203 guests who stayed at the shelter. Of those guests, 87% moved on to positive housing outcomes, according to a GCM report on the project. © GCM

Nothing to see new tenancies to be created for homeless An outreach team for Homeless 30 people in Edinburgh, Project Scotland (HPS) found no as part of The Simon Community people sleeping rough in Glasgow Scotland (SCS) expansion plan city centre on 2 June. The HPS outreach team walk the streets of the city centre in search of people investment made by in need of food or accommodation, £5m social investor Social and usually finding a small number of Sustainable Capital into SCS, with new people wanting to access services. properties to be purchased within 18 The street team on 2 June, however, months searched in vain, finding zero people sleeping rough and in need of commitment made to support. Glasgow Live added HPS is £1m investment by Edinburgh currently fundraising for an outreach University, according to Edinburgh food truck to use in Glasgow. Evening News.

10 | the Pavement Issue 133: Know Your Rights NEWS

Failing health

Scotland policy manager at Sheriff Court facing eviction for rent healthcare charity Marie Curie, Ellie arrears, Edinburgh Evening News Wagstaff, has warned that homeless reported in early June. Among the people in the country are failing to landlords rushing to serve pandemic- receive adequate palliative care. stricken tenants with an eviction Wagstaff, writing in Scottish Housing notice were Edinburgh council. A News, highlighted a recent report spokesperson for by the charity calling for urgent The Scottish Tenant’s Organisation reform of palliative care for people called the legal action “ludicrous.” experiencing homelessness. Among • For accommodation see the List a series of suggestions, the report in the centre pages called for “improved access and provision of palliative and end of life care,” and for “more palliative Yes, it's an extender care training… for those delivering homelessness services”. Temporary measures brought • The full report, titled Dying in in to house people experiencing the Cold; Being Homeless at the homelessness during the pandemic End of Life in Scotland, can be in Scotland have been extended downloaded here: by an extra three months to 30 www.mariecurie.org.uk/policy/ September 2021, Scottish Legal publications News reports. Measures allowing local authorities to shelter people sleeping rough or experiencing Levelling down homelessness in hotels and B&Bs were due to expire on 30 June. Scotland introduced a temporary Announcing the extension, Housing legal ban on evictions during the Secretary Shona Robison said: “We pandemic, but as the pandemic are extending these measures while eases, and regions move into new the path of the pandemic remains ‘levels’ of restrictions, tenants have uncertain, and will keep the situation been sent eviction notices. Only days under review.”  after Edinburgh moved into level 2, ending the legal ban on evictions, TURN TO PAGES A – P people from 16 separate households FOR THE LIST OF SERVICES were brought before Edinburgh

July / August 2021 the Pavement | 11 SPECIAL The fight for rights Earlier this year Brighton and Hove adopted a Homeless Bill of Rights. What is it and why is it needed? Matt Hobbs spoke to one of the Bill’s instigators

On 26 March 2021 an email landed sector homelessness organisations in my inbox. “We made it! 31 to 13, in Europe. They put it together with 7 abstentions. Now the work starts!”. input from organisations working Modest but brimming with optimism, with homeless people, so it really the message personified the man I comes from the experience of being had previously met on a Zoom call street homeless.” To tackle the to discuss his work in Homelessness aforementioned “glaring gap” within and Human Rights. David Thomas, the Human Rights Act, “Article 1 is former Legal Aid Lawyer for those basically the right to a home, that's experiencing homelessness, joined everybody's right, when you're the Brighton and Hove Housing homeless it's your first right not to Coalition in 2016, and is an architect be homeless. In fact all the rest of of the Homeless Bill of Rights. these rights wouldn't be necessary if “When the Human Rights Act you stuck to Article 1.” The coalition came into force (2000), I thought added a couple of extra articles, it was absolutely great, a chance drawn from the experiences of the to make trouble and come up with local population: “the European one new ways to make arguments for has 11 articles, our number 12 is my clients. However, it doesn't about your stuff, about belongings, give you a right to housing.” This there’s a really strong tendency of glaring gap in the Human Rights Act council workers or rubbish collectors highlights the inequalities within to bin your stuff while you’re away our society, affording rights to a from it… it’s part of this tendency housed population whilst failing to to try to sweep homeless people out extend these to those experiencing of sight, to exclude them from public homelessness. spaces.” This exclusion is addressed Within this context, the Brighton by another article: “homeless people and Hove Housing Coalition looked have a right to public spaces, the to draw up a charter of rights same right as everyone else has specifically for those experiencing to public spaces” and another homelessness. “Then we found addition states: “Survival Practices the European Homeless Bill of – such as begging – should not be Rights which had been launched by criminalised”. FEANTSA, the umbrella for voluntary In 2019 the Brighton and Hove

12 | the Pavement Issue 133: Know Your Rights Housing Coalition succeeded in setting the precedent for us all having the Homeless Bill of Rights to follow. But throughout my adopted into both the Green Party conversation with David I kept and Labour Party manifestos. asking, “Why Brighton?”, as if the city “We chose a good time in terms itself held some mystical force that of local politics. They're practical, allowed these events to converge straightforward rights for a city to at this moment in time. But in truth sign up to, but the main thrust for it was the people coming together, it is to change the conversation, to committed to a common cause, and change the way people talk and choosing to take action. As David think about homeless people.” said, “It’s just where we were.” When I met David in March this  year I could feel the momentum, the conversation was electric: “You come at a moment of great hope Right to the point because there is substantial reason to think that the city is actually So what is included in the going to adopt the Homeless Bill of Homeless Bill of Rights? Among Rights next week.” Here, holding my the rights adopters of the Bill breath, is where our chat ended, and commit to ensure are: in the lull of lockdown I waited. Then with a ping those words flashed 1. The Right to Housing: Services on my screen: “We made it! 31 to supporting access to housing 13, 7 abstentions. Now the work must be accessible to everybody starts!” On 25 March 2021 Brighton 2. The Right to Equal Treatment: and Hove had voted to adopt the Councils will not discriminate Homeless Bill of Rights. against homeless people So what happens now? “The Homeless Bill of Rights isn't 3. The Right to Sanitary Facilities: really a legal document, it's about Councils will provide access to making policies that comply with it, basic sanitary facilities, such this is the beginning not the end. It's as running water, showers bound to just disappear into mere and toilets, for all people words if we are not there constantly experiencing homelessness to hammer home that they've got to Read the remaining rights here: comply with it.” https://housingcoalition.co.uk/ The Brighton and Hove Housing homeless-bill-of-rights Coalition has achieved a UK first,

July / August 2021 the Pavement | 13 INTERVIEW Pain in the teeth We all have a right to healthcare, but many believe our teeth aren’t covered. Sheryle Thomas speaks to the homeless health service with a dental surgery

There is nothing worse than experiencing dental pain, especially In a nutshell when you have no address or income to access dentist surgeries. • There are homeless health services When I was homeless in 1998, providing dental care I used a homeless health service • At the Central London Community provided by Central London Healthcare NHS Trust, this service Community Healthcare NHS Trust is free and you don’t need a (CLCH) at Great Chapel Street permanent address Surgery, which provided fantastic • Find more dental and healthcare health care to anyone without an services in the List. address. Now they have a dental surgery to help the homeless community look after their teeth. When are you open? I emailed the homeless dental We are open for bookings from 9am- service at CLCH to ask some 5pm on Mondays and Fridays. questions you are probably thinking Appointments are offered from about on how to access this service. Tuesdays to Fridays.

Who can visit the dentist service? How long do I have to wait for an The CLCH Homeless Dental Clinic appointment once registered? offers a service to anyone who is At the moment, due to the homeless. pandemic, we speak with you on the phone before we can book an How do I get referred to you? appointment. The waiting time Ideally, a referral from a healthcare varies but on average is about professional, homeless outreach two weeks. If you have an urgent service or hostel manager is problem, we will try and see you recommended. However, if this is sooner. not possible, we will also accept self-referrals from people who are What if my teeth are in pain? homeless by directly calling or Call us during office hours and we emailing the service. will try and see you urgently. Dial 111 out of hours.

14 | the Pavement Issue 133: Know Your Rights What if I haven't got a phone? If I require more work, what Ask a friend, contact social worker, options are available to me? hostel manager, or a member of the We may need to refer you on to a homeless health team on the street specialist. to contact us on your behalf. I’m very worried about receiving Can someone come with me to my dental care. Will it hurt and are appointment? your staff supportive? Due to the pandemic and social We try our best to be kind, distancing measures, please come patient and gentle. Modern local alone. If you need to bring a carer or anaesthetics are safe and provide advocate please contact us first. good pain relief whilst undergoing dental treatment. Our staff are What if I can’t speak English? experienced at dealing with anxious We can offer an interpreting service patients. If you don't feel able either over the phone or face-to-face. to receive treatment under local anaesthetic, we may be able to refer I'm rough sleeping and I'm you to another clinic for sedation or not claiming benefits/ have no general anaesthetic. income. Can I still access the dentist? Why is it important to seek At our clinic there is no charge for the treatment early? dental treatment that we provide. Dental problems are easier to fix when caught early. Leaving a dental Is there wheelchair access? problem for too long can lead to Our new purpose-built surgeries at pain, infection and even tooth loss. Soho offer full wheelchair access. How can we help you to help us? What kind of dental treatment do Turn up to your appointment on you offer? time. Cancel any appointment that We offer a full range of NHS you do not intend to keep at least 24 dental treatment. This includes hours beforehand. Bring a list of any examinations, cleaning, fillings, medications that you take. crowns/bridges, extractions and dentures. We do not provide • You can call to book an implants or cosmetic treatment such appointment at CLCH Homeless as tooth whitening. Dental Clinic on 0207 534 6628 

July / August 2021 the Pavement | 15 16 | the Pavement Issue 133: Know Your Rights LAW Final act? When will the draconian Vagrancy Act finally be An act of cruelty repealed, asks Ian Kalman • The Vagrancy Act was If you were alive in 1824, a new introduced in 1824 Act was put on the statute books, this new law meant that if you • It bans sleeping rough and were sleeping rough or begging in begging England and Wales you could be • A review of the law was promised arrested and fined £1,000. I found a site that calculated that amount in 2018 to today’s rates and it comes out at • Between April and September £112,616.60. That is an amount we 2020, police in England and all carry around when we live on the streets. Wales made 361 charges using This act has never been repealed the Vagrancy Act. and I am now questioning why I was never arrested in the years I was sleeping rough? certain behaviours. Several charities have now joined Crisis has proposals with cross- forces to finally consign the archaic party support, which will help the UK law to the history books. Homeless government repeal the Act and show charity Crisis front the lobbying. how police can use other existing Jon Sparkes, CEO of Crisis, said: and more appropriate powers to “People are still being needlessly tackle exceptional circumstances of criminalised for being homeless anti-social behaviour. under the Vagrancy Act, despite Although the government has Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick now agreed in principal to repeal the agreeing back in February that Act, no actual date has been set. this harmful, archaic law should be Eddie Hughes, Minister for Rough consigned to history.” Sleeping, has said he would be The UK government has indicated working towards this at pace, the that action will not be taken until a question is what is this pace? At the review of the Vagrancy Act, promised moment it seems a snail’s pace. in 2018, is completed. It says I shall keep an eye on this and repealing the Act should not hamper report back to you the progress. the police’s ability to deal with 

July / August 2021 the Pavement | 17 JOURNEY A helping hand to guide Having experienced homelessness and been victim to domestic abuse, Regina Coker-Ogunsola started a social enterprise, aiming to support vulnerable people. Warning: the subject matter of this article may be distressing for some readers

For two weeks back in summer 2016, I spent most evenings sitting at King’s Cross train station in Find support London, watching people and feeling • If you are victim to domestic invisible. I would wait there as I had abuse, call 999 nowhere to sleep. Each evening, I’d • In England you can call the be hoping and praying that a friend National Domestic Abuse would let me stay with them, or that helpline 24/7 on: 0808 2000 247 they would transfer me some money so I could afford the train ticket to • The Scottish domestic abuse get there. helpline is also 24/7. I was a 26-year old single mother Call: 0800 027 1234 who had just left an emotionally abusive relationship. There was no reckless single mum unable to fend well thought out plan, or savings I for herself and her child. Another could dip into. I’d simply thrown as burden to the taxpayer. many belongings as I could into a Sadly, my story is all too familiar, couple of bin bags and left with my which is why I decided to speak out daughter. But little did I know at the at TEDxBedford last year (Search on time that this decision would make Youtube: Regina White). The theme me homeless. was resilience, and I shared my I ended up in a temporary hostel own personal journey of surviving with my young daughter, but I domestic abuse, my battle with was left without help or the tools depression and the vicious cycle I I needed to leave my situation. found myself in. As I was writing the Despite working my whole life, I talk, I began thinking, what could was forced to give up my job. There have helped me during this dark time were times during this period that I in my life. The more I thought about would go without food just so that it, the more I realised that I needed my daughter could eat. It felt like to drive this change myself. nobody was willing to help me. I Fast forward a few months was just another statistic. Another and I am starting up a new social

18 | the Pavement Issue 133: Know Your Rights enterprise called: A Hand To Guide. It’s a free 24-hour buddy service for domestic abuse victims and those at risk of homelessness. We provide people with educated and friendly buddies who advise them on everything from their finances to their mental health. It’s a safe place for people to talk, receive advice to begin their new life. The goal of A Hand To Guide is simple: to help our members, timelessly and be the guiding light out of their situation quickly. I’ve personally been supported by some amazing charities and Members of the A Hand to Guide team organisations, including St Mungo’s pictured in London. © A Hand to Guide and Beam, who have helped transform my life. I only wish I’d need to get back on their feet. And found them sooner. I’m fortunate to have a wonderful One of my most memorable team who is by my side. Each and experiences was the support I every one of us has been through received from Beam, a crowdfunding either homelessness or a mental platform helping homeless people health condition and we all want to into stable jobs and homes. People ensure nobody is alone through their I’d never met before started situation. donating towards my future so I Covid-19 has shown us the could have a better life. They told me importance of rallying around some I was a good mum, a positive role of the most vulnerable people in model to my daughter. It was like society. There are so many people being given the world’s biggest hug. out there who are willing to help. My I was able to get into a stable job as vision for the future is that we will a result, and rebuild my life. have hundreds – if not thousands – Now, it’s my turn to give back, of buddies across the UK, who can which is why I’ve set up A Hand To provide a helping hand and ensure Guide. I want to use my negative nobody gets left behind. experiences to ensure that everyone • Follow A Hand to Guide on is equipped with the tools they Instagram at @ahandtoguide 

July / August 2021 the Pavement | 19 Homeless people and people sleeping rough in the UK were given vaccination priority earlier this year. By early June adults between the ages of 25 and 29 were being invited to take the vaccine. As the vaccination rollout continues, Groundswell and St Basils, a charity working to end youth homelessness, have joined forces to encourage uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine among young people experiencing homelessness.

About the vaccine

• Vaccines work by stimulating the body’s immune system • Your immune system produces its own protection against the virus, called antibodies • The vaccine is injected into your upper arm • A Covid-19 vaccine is administered in two separate doses • Like any vaccine, the Covid-19 vaccine can lead to side effects • Common side effects include: fatigue; a fever; headaches and nausea; pain in the arm you received the vaccine • Side effects of the vaccine do not last long

20 | the Pavement Issue 133: Know Your Rights Why taking the vaccine is a good idea

• The vaccine will significantly reduce your chances of getting ill or dying of Covid-19 • You are also far less likely to catch and spread Covid-19 once vaccinated • The Covid-19 vaccine has been tested and analysed like all other vaccines • Tens of thousands of people, from a wide range of groups and demographics, were tested with the vaccine before approval

Find out more

If you have more questions about Covid-19 and the vaccine, you can speak to your GP or contact support staff from your accommodation, outreach team or local support service. Find more information and guides from Groundswell on Covid-19 and the vaccine at: https://groundswell.org.uk/coronavirus Find information from the NHS here: - www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 - www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination

July / August 2021 the Pavement | 21 MAT'S COLUMN Hope springs Finding oneself caught somewhere between optimism, despair and hope as lockdown comes to an end. By Mat Amp

Greetings to everyone. I hope this finds you well. If you’re feeling anxious at the prospect of the world kicking back into action, believe me, you are not alone. Things are kicking back into life like city lights at dusk, one window at a time, until soon, if the vaccine goes to plan, it’s gonna be mid-town Manhattan on a Saturday night, frenzied neon blinking at the dark. It may be especially overwhelming for those who face an uncertain future with their housing situation. For some, the pandemic has been an oasis of calm, the eye in a furious storm, a soothing balm on the Our writer questions when it’ll be over… chaotic wound of life. For them, the © Mat Amp end of lockdown signals uncertainty now? not security and they are left One thing that Everyone In has wondering: ‘Are we going to get proved is that it’s possible to get forgotten all over again?’ everyone off the streets if the will People have lauded the Everyone is there. It’s just unfortunate that In scheme for its inclusivity. It’s the will was only there because true, people with no access to public the government wanted to protect funds, immigrants and those with no the public, not because of some local connection were, for once, not benevolent epiphany or sudden ignored. But before we get carried realisation that we all benefit as a away let’s ask this simple question: society when the most vulnerable Why now? Well, the answer to that amongst us are not forgotten. is obvious – the pandemic, so let’s And as the threat of Covid-19 ask this one instead: Why not before recedes and the wheels of consumer

22 | the Pavement Issue 133: Know Your Rights industry start to spin once more, the to give people with experience of fear is that the merciless gears of the homelessness a platform to express machine will not stop for anything or themselves in order to inform services anyone trapped between them. The and, through our website (https:// government will start to talk about groundswell.org.uk), the public. This paying the bill and it’s the poorest, has a positive impact on both policy as always, that will be made to cough and public opinion. up. The project, led by Groundswell All we can do is hope that enough in partnership with On Our Radar, people learnt enough lessons during currently has 14 reporters with the pandemic to plant some seed of lived experience across the country change, after more than a decade of sending in reports about their brutal austerity that has done a total experiences during the pandemic. Hobin Rood on the country – Hobin Funded by NHSE and the National Rood is Robin Hood in reverse… Lottery Community Fund, it’s robbing from the poor to give to provided policy makers with the rich in the form of quantitative unfiltered feedback from the people easing, a policy that has rewarded who have experience of trying to banks for the shameless fraud that navigate the healthcare system brought the global economy to its without a safe and secure place to knees in 2008. call home. Despite the reasons for anxiety This week we found out that and concern, there is reason for Groundswell’s bid for Comic Relief hope. As far as I see it, and this is just Change Makers funding has come my opinion, the charity sector has through, effectively expanding the worked out how to do things over the project to include more reporters past decade, rejecting the top-down, amongst other measures designed to hand-out Victorian charity model put the voice of those experiencing and instead using co-production homelessness at the centre of policy as a key stone for building a model making. It’s stuff like this that aimed at giving people with lived makes me start to believe that there experience of homelessness the is hope, which in turn makes me feel platform to progress. less anxious about the end of the For the best part of the last year lockdown. At the end of the day that my working days have been spent anxiety is about not knowing what coordinating an incredibly innovative is next but that doesn’t mean that community journalism project. what is next is necessarily going to It’s a project that was designed be bad. Here’s to hope. 

July / August 2021 the Pavement | 23 PETS Pets in summer Sarka shares some advice on how to take care of your pets – and particularly your cats – in the sweltering summer months

I would like to stress the two most important things for summer. The first: Make sure your pet has plenty of water. The second: Never leave a pet alone in a car in summer. Not even in the shade, as sunbeams move. Unfortunately most hostels, or temporary accommodation, do not allow pets. Even the majority of affordable private housing does not allow pets, especially those that allow housing benefit. This is a big problem. However, sometimes you One of the (many) cats Sarka takes care of. may find a kind friend who will look This handsome boy is named Big Fluffy. © Sarka after your pet for a while, until you find a solution; ideally a place where call from the police one day that the you are able to have pets. cats had been on their own for about If your pet stays with somebody, a week and that I needed to check explain to them the importance of on them immediately as there is a plenty of water. Explain to them how danger that I could have dead cats. important it is to leave more water It was frightening. Luckily all was than seems necessary, especially in well. The cats were very thirsty and summer. Cats and dogs may survive rather hungry, however they were ok. for a week with no food, but a much Why? My friend was smart. Before shorter time with no water, two to she went out she left plenty of water three days I would guess? I did not and food around the house for the try and will not try! cats. This saved the cats. Cats are I had this very frightening good at rationing food and water if experience. My cats were fostered by there is a scarcity. This is what they a friend. The friend had an accident did in this case. and was taken to hospital. I got a Another thing is cats will shed

24 | the Pavement Issue 133: Know Your Rights hair. In nature their coat expands Pet patrol and they become fluffy in winter. This enables them to survive low If you’re concerned for your pet’s temperatures as fur insulates their health, StreetVet deliver outreach body. Feral (wild) and stray cats veterinary care in multiple become nearly 2x their size in winter. locations across the UK This is not so pronounced in owned • In London, StreetVet have cats, who do not need a huge coat to regular stations in Camden, survive the elements. However, the natural cycle of longer, thicker fur Hackney, and Clapham in winter and shedding in summer • These stations can be found by remains. So comb your cats or ask the the Streets Kitchen outreach in fosterer to do so, if possible. It does Camden and Hackney not prevent shedding around the house completely, but it helps. This is • In Clapham, StreetVet use the important as shedding and hairballs facilities of the Ace of Clubs, a may upset your cats’ fosterer and community centre providing affect their willingness to look after support for homeless people your cat. • There is a StreetVet Glasgow If you look after feral or stray station, open every week cats, or just feed strays, try to leave a small bowl of water in places cats • Find your nearest StreetVet may frequent. Even if you cannot outreach team here: feed the cats, leave fresh water out www.streetvet.co.uk for them every day, if possible. I used to put little water containers around the house at my temporary Kittens are the last thing you need, accommodation. I carry a water when you already struggle with your bottle and a container with me to own housing needs and the housing give water to the feral cats who live of your cat. Charities, such as Dogs around my previous accommodation. Trust (they look after cats too, not This is not so needed in winter, but I just dogs) or Blue Cross, provide do this in summer. To sum up: Water, discounted or free spaying. Your water, water! cat could also have contraception Just a note, spring and summer injection or tablet, however, these is kitten season. If your cat is not are expensive and are only provided spayed (an operation which means by private vets. that your cat will not have kittens) Wishing a great and safe summer and goes out she WILL get pregnant. to you and your pet. 

July / August 2021 the Pavement | 25 BEST AND WORST TIMES

26 | the Pavement Issue 133: Know Your Rights July / August 2021 the Pavement | 27 NEIGHBOUR Rights & wrong 'uns The struggles of having an anti-social neighbour and problems with your health, by Chris Sampson

For years I have suffered sleep guff like this, when there’s vigils by deprivation due to the antics of a unarmed women to be policed, or psychotic neighbour. He blares out ethnic youths to be intimidated? TV all night, stinks the place out, The reader will note that I hope to sometimes with drugs, and threatens get him relocated, and not evicted. violence if questioned. This has Maybe some of the Pavement’s a draining effect on my health, mission to help the homeless has especially as sleep deprivation is a rubbed off on me. And so, despite trigger for cluster headaches. his being enabled to continue his I also get toxic fumes, including behaviour by the indifference of cops illegal drugs, from said neighbour and council, his human rights – to rising from his flat up to mine, a home, to the mental healthcare I and into my lungs. I have Chronic believe he needs – remain sacrosanct Obstructive Pulminary Disease – or to my mind. Chronic Lung Disease to you and me. What’s left of my mind, anyway. You’d think that the words “chronic” Apparently, prolonged sleep and “disease” would be enough for deprivation can result in Alzheimer’s the powers that be to take action, or dementia. I’m hoping to be tested what with the obvious harassment, for both soon.  violation of my human rights and whatnot. Are you suffering from some of the You’d be wrong. The council have troubles described in this article? on occasion answered the phone • If you are experiencing cluster when I’ve called its anti-social noise headaches and migraines, contact line; they’ve even turned up once your GP, or call NHS 111 or twice. They’ve smelt smells and heard noise, but inform me that it’s • An anti-social neighbour is usually “not loud enough”. the concern of your local council. Try And the Bobbies? Despite the to get in touch with them obvious drug stench, they tell me • Citizens Advice provide helpful info. they can’t go around arresting See this webpage: people just for breaking the law. www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ Good lord, no! Whatever was I housing/problems-where-you-live/ thinking by calling them with trivial complaining-about-your-neighbour

28 | the Pavement Issue 133: Know Your Rights HUMOUR The Kingston stink Here’s some, er, fresh perspective on the smells and sights of lockdown walks, by Steve Walker

The small, working class town called with them and instead of the Louis Kingston gave birth to the 1970s it’s the pooey bag they are swinging. slogan “The Kingston Stink”. This pandemic has reached new lows Traversing time and geographical as the latest trophy is a poo bag. I space we arrive in The Royal Borough mean as if the men in lycra tights of Kingston-upon-Thames. Where wasn’t enough we are now suffering a whole new 21 Century Kingston a whole different unholy sight. Stink has arrived giving even more Forget your Louis Vuitton, forget your credence to the North South divide. Burberry, we now have a brand-new Now, while this reporter is resisting bag for life. talking about the pandemic, alas, in From this Northerner’s perspective this instance I can only pray that it is if the world hasn’t gone mad a contributing factor to the strange then the people in it are certainly phenomenon of the 21C Kingston teetering on the edge, I can't decide Stink. Let me explain. whether to give them a shove or a We are all, I’m sure, painfully shovel. aware that the lockdown brings  with it a shut down that has given birth to droves of us suddenly seeing the benefits of endless walks. All Enjoy a story? this healthy lifestyle will kill us. Now that may be oxymoronic, it’s If you like to write, make art, or just debatable, what isn’t debatable is enjoy being creative, contact the the moronic behaviour of a large Pavement. We’re always looking number of canine owners – dog for new contributors. owners anywhere else, in Kingston- upon-Thames it’s different. As are Email the editor at: the people. To be fair there isn’t [email protected] much else to do and certainly there is nowhere really to go. So instead of hitting town donning a Louis Vuitton bag people TURN TO PAGES A – P are hitting the parks & walkways FOR THE LIST OF SERVICES dragging the froodle (French Poodle)

July / August 2021 the Pavement | 29 COMIC by Rosie Roksoph

30 | the Pavement Issue 133: Know Your Rights Housing in England: Your Rights

Your local council does not always have to help you find emergency accommodation if you are homeless. If you need help right now, please try these numbers below. Ask them to help you make an emergency housing application.

For free help with your emergency If your application is rejected: housing application: • You should appeal the rejection if 1. Streetlink you think it is wrong. You have 21 • Tel: 0300 500 0914 & also an App days to do so. 2. Shelter • Shelter and Citizens Advice Bureau • Web: www.shelter.org.uk can help you with your appeal. • Tel: 0808 800 4444 (8am–8pm Monday – Friday, Visit www.thepavement.org.uk 8am–5pm weekends) 3. Citizens Advice Bureau for a more detailed version of • Web: www.citizensadvice.org.uk your housing rights in England • Tel: 03444 111 444 and Scotland.

Housing in Scotland: Your Rights

Call Shelter Scotland for free housing advice 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday on 0808 800 4444.

You may be able to make You have the right to temporary a homeless application accommodation while with a local council. This is the council considers your different from a housing application. The council must options interview and from an notify you of their decision in application to the mainstream writing. housing waiting list.

TELL US: If you want to order more or less copies of the Pavement OR need to make a change to the list of services in the centre pages please use the contact details on p3. Thanks!

July / August 2021 the Pavement | 31 My notepad...

Make sure you read...

online at www.thepavement.org.uk The List

Scotland List KEY TO ALL SERVICES ADVICE

A Alcohol workers SHELTER SCOTLAND AC Art classes 0808 800 4444; scotland.shelter.org.uk AD Advocacy Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm AH Accommodation/housing advice Make a homeless application with a B Barber local council. This is different from a BA Benefits advice housing options interview and from BE Bedding available an application to the mainstream BS Bathroom/showers housing waiting list. You have the right Counselling C to temporary accommodation while the Careers advice CA council considers your application. CL Clothing store We can: explain your rights; tell you D Drugs workers DA Debt advice your options and tell you what help's DT Dentist available in your area EF Ex-forces AD, AH, TS EO Ex-offenders ET Education and training F Food GLASGOW WOMEN'S AID FF Free food 0141 553 2022; FC Foot care glasgowwomensaid.org.uk IT Internet access Mon – Fri :10am – 4pm. L Laundry Advice and support for women LA Legal advice experiencing domestic violence and LF Leisure facilities their children. Domestic Abuse Helpline: LS Luggage storage 0800 027 1234 (24/7). Music/drama MD C MH Mental health MS Medical/health services NE Needle exchange OL Outreach worker links LODGING HOUSE MISSION OW Outreach workers 35 East Campbell St, Glasgow, G1 5DT SF Step free access 0141 552 0285; lhm-glasgow.org.uk SH Sexual health advice Mon – Fri: 9am – 3pm (phone line open) TS Tenancy support Mon – Fri: 10am – 2pm (food collection) Contact us first to arrange collection Updates: [email protected] of Food parcels, kettle food packs, Compiled: June 2021 toiletries, clothing and emergency This is a partial list, tailored for this assistance. Phone for support workers. AH, AD, B, BA, BS, CA, CL, C, DT, ET, FF, F, FC, IT, issue of the Pavement. Full list at LS, MD, SH, TS, EO thepavement.org.uk/services.php www.thepavement.org.uk A The List

THE MARIE TRUST/ WAYSIDE CLUB SURE RECOVERY APP 32 Midland Street, Glasgow, G1 4PR App was co-developed with and for 0141 221 0169: themarietrust.org people who are using, in recovery, or Mon – Fri: 7:30pm – 11pm thinking about reducing their substance Free food avaialble on weeknights. use. Search ‘SURE Recovery' on App Most services currently suspended. Store or GooglePlay. FF

SIMON COMMUNITY SCOTLAND FOOD Glasgow Helpline 0800 027 7466 Period Friendly Points for free products: simonscotland.org/our-initiatives/ NEXTMEAL.CO.UK period-friendly/period-friendly-points A new mobile app has been to help MS support homeless people and show them where to find food. Search postcode, town or street. SIMON COMMUNITY ACCESS HUB www.nextmeal.co.uk 389 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8LR Lists the nearest charities that provide www.simonscotland.org food and support. Street Team: 0800 027 7466 Open 24/7 FF Access Hub: 0141 552 4164 Access Hub: Mon – Sun: 9am – 5pm Drop-in at Argyle Street Access Hub BALVICAR STREET for people who are experiencing Balvicar St, Glasgow, G42 8QU homelessness and other difficulties and Thurs: 7pm–9pm need consistent, long-term support. Soup run every week. MH, AH, AD, AW, DW, OL, OW FF

STREETWORK CRISIS CENTRE CARRUBBERS CHRISTIAN CENTRE 22 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AF 65 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR 0131 557 6055; streetwork.org.uk 0131 556 2626; www.carrubbers.org 0808 178 2323 (24/7 helpline) Tue: 5:30 – 6:30pm Mon – Fri: 7am – 8pm Soul Food serve food from the café door Sat – Sun: 9am– 5pm Sun: 9am Supporting anyone in Edinburgh who Serves free breakfast from the café door. does not have a safe place to sleep. FF AH, AD, BA, BS, C, FF, IT, TS

A Alcohol workers B Barber CA Careers advice EF Ex-forces AC Art classes BA Benefits advice CL Clothing store EO Ex-offenders AD Advocacy BE Bedding available D Drugs workers ET Education/training AH Accomodation/ BS Bathroom/showers DA Debt advice F Food housing advice C Counselling DT Dentist FF Free food KEY B | The List Jul/Aug 2021 The List

CADOGAN STREET KINDNESS STREET TEAM 39 Cadogan House, Glasgow G2 7AB George Square, Glasgow, G2 1AL Directly opposite No.28, on corner Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun: 7pm Mon – Sun: 9 – 10pm We provide hot food, cold food, clothing Soup, sandwich and hot drink for footwear, food parcels, non perishable anyone over 20 years old. 365 days a items, sleeping bags and hot drinks. year. Aim to direct homeless service FF, CL users to appropriate services. FF, OL MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY (HOPETOUN CRESCENT) GLASGOW CITY MISSION 18 Hopetoun Cres, Edinburgh EH7 4AY 20 Crimea Street, Glasgow G2 8PW 0131 556 5444 0141 221 2630; glasgowcitymission.com Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri: 4 – 4:45pm Mon – Fri: 10am – 4pm Sundays: 3:30 – 4:30pm Breakfast and lunch. Offering support & Providing a full meal. Ninety per cent of advocacy. residents are over 40. AC, AH, FF, IT, SF Not step-free. Closed 23rd -31st Dec. Open 25th Dec. FF H4TH (HELP FOR THE HOMELESS) 07966 062 495; www.h4th.org.uk Cadogan Street, Glasgow QUEEN’S PARK GOVANHILL Thursdays: 8 – 10pm PARISH CHURCH H4TH is a weekly outdoor soup kitchen 170 Queen's Drive, Glasgow G42 8QZ for free food and clothing. 0141 423 3654; qpgpc.com FF, CL Tues: 12noon (hot meal) Thurs: 10am –12noon (food bank) Sun: 5pm – 6pm (free take out meal, HOMELESS PROJECT SCOTLAND toiletries, clothing) 0800 0147 160; 07828 584 544 (24/7) AH, AD, B, BS, BA, CL, DA, F, FF, IT, MH, OL, OW homelessprojectscotland.org We support homeless and vulnerable people and families in Scotland by SOCIAL BITE (ROSE SREET) working alongside partners and 131 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 3DT supporting people who need our help. 0131 353 0250; social-bite.co.uk Food distribution, hygiene packs, Mon – Fri: 2 – 3pm advice all available. Based in Glasgow. Free food take-away. FF, OL FF

FC Foot care LS Luggage storage OL Outreach worker links FULL LIST IT Internet access MD Music/drama OW Outreach workers AVAILABLE ON L Laundry MH Mental health SF Step-free OUR WEBSITE LA Legal advice MS Medical services SH Sexual health LF Leisure facilities NE Needle exchange TS Tenancy support www.thepavement.org.uk/services.php C The List

SOCIAL BITE (ST VINCENT ST) a welcoming space where local people 103 St Vincent St, Glasgow G2 5EA meet on a Monday evening to share a 0131 353 0250; social-bite.co.uk healthy, home-cooked meal and get to Mon – Fri: 2 –3pm Free food take-away. know others in their community. NOTE: Due to restrictions seating only AH, F, BA, FF, LA, MD available at the Social Supper event. FF MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL BITE (UNION ST) 516 Union St, Aberdeen AB10 1TT ADVOCARD 0131 353 0250; social-bite.co.uk 0131 554 5307; advocard.org.uk Mon – Fri: 2 –3pm Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm Free take-away. All our services are still open to accept FF referrals for advocacy support. Independent individual and collective advocacy services for people with STEPS TO HOPE mental health problems in Edinburgh 07949 838 666; stepstohope.co.uk Text: 07920 207 564, Phone-line open all time email: [email protected] Monday Munchies: 6pm MH, AD, SF (at 14 Johnson Terrace, EH1 2PW) Tue & Fri: Catering Van: 5pm (at Old St Paul's, 63 Jeffrey St, EH1 1DH) BREATHING SPACE SCOTLAND Souper Saturday: 10am 0800 83 85 87; breathingspace.scot (at Old St Paul's, 63 Jeffrey St, EH1 1DH) Free, confidential phone service for Sunday Suppers: 5pm anyone in Scotland experiencing low (at St Cuthberts, 5 Lothian Rd, EH1 2EP) mood, depression or anxiety. FF MH, AD, C

WOODLANDS COMMUNITY CAFE CAMPAIGN AGAINST LIVING 19 Carrington Street, Glasgow, G4 9AJ MISERABLY (CALM) 0141 332 2656 0800 58 58 58; thecalmzone.net www.woodlandscommunity.org.uk Calm is leading a movement against On Monday evenings, a three-course suicide. Call, email or chat on website. vegetarian and vegan meal is served at MH 6pm - you pay what you decide or free. Woodlands Community Cafe provides

COMBAT STRESS (NATIONAL) HEARING VOICES NETWORK 0800 138 1619; combatstress.org.uk 0114 271 8210; hearing-voices.org 07537 404 719 (textline) A network for people who hear voices Open 24hrs, 365 days and see visions. For groups info email National ex-services charity offering [email protected] help with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder MH, C (PTSD). Residential clinical treatment.

HUNTER STREET HOMELESS GAMH HEALTH SERVICE 0141 552 5592; www.gamh.org.uk 55 Hunter Street, Glasgow, G4 0UP Mon – Thur: 9am – 5pm 0141 553 2801 (call first) Fri: 9am – 4:30pm https://bit.ly/2WpFA7b Emotional and practical support, Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm information and advice for homeless Located in the Gallowgate area. people with mental health problems. Combination of homeless health and Office shut, phone in for help. social care services under one roof, and MH, AH, AD, C GP service for homeless people. Call first to arrange appointment. MH, A, DW, FC, MS, SH, SF HEALTH IN MIND 0131 225 8508; healthinmind.org.uk Monday – Thursday: 9am – 5pm MIND (NATIONAL) A range of mental health and wellbeing 0300 123 3393; www.mind.org.uk services for people with housing and Mon – Fri: 9am – 6pm mental health support needs. You can Advice and support to empower anyone self-refer to most services or ask your GP experiencing a mental health problem. to refer you. Phone appointments only. info@mind. org.uk or text: 86463. MH, AH, AD, C, TS, AC, ET Legal support: 0300 466 6463; [email protected] MH, AD, LA HELP FOR DEPRESSION www.healthline.com/ health/depression/help-for- NHS INFORM - SCOTLAND depression#TreatmentFacts1 www.nhsinform.scot An online comprehensive explanation of Online health information service. the various approaches and treatments MS, MH for depression. MH

FC Foot care LS Luggage storage OL Outreach worker links IT Internet access MD Music/drama OW Outreach workers L Laundry MH Mental health SF Step-free LA Legal advice MS Medical services SH Sexual health RECOVERY LF Leisure facilities NE Needle exchange TS Tenancy support www.thepavement.org.uk E The List

NATIONAL SELF-HARM NETWORK SANE (NATIONAL) www.nshn.co.uk www.sane.org.uk; Supporting individuals who self harm to [email protected] reduce emotional distress and improve SANEline: 07984 967 708 (leave name their quality of life Resources and and number and SANE will call back) information available online. Monday-Sunday: 4:30pm-10:30pm A supportive and understanding forum. We believe that no-one affected C, MH by mental illness should face crisis, distress or despair completely alone. Information on schizophrenia, PENUMBRA depression and bi-polar disorder in 57 Albion Rd, Edinburgh EH7 5QY Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Punjabi & 0131 475 2380; Urdu as well as English. www.penumbra.org.uk C Mon–Thurs: 9am–5pm Friday: 9am–4pm Offers a wide range of mental health SUPPORT IN MIND SCOTLAND support. 0131 662 4359; Coronavirus Hub available at: www.supportinmindscotland.org.uk www.penumbra.org.uk/coronavirus Mon – Fri: 9am – 4pm MH, A, C, D, TS Support and action for all people affected by mental illness. This includes carers, friends and families. SAMARITANS Support and guidance to help your Helpline: 116 123 (24hrs, 365days) mental health during lockdown samaritans.org available on website. Whatever you're going through, free MH and condiential mental health support. You can take things at your own pace, they will listen carefully and talk things SURVIVORS OF BEREAVEMENT BY through on a confidential basis. SUICIDE (NATIONAL) C, MH 0300 111 5065, uksobs.org Mon – Sun: 9am – 9pm Support for people over 18 bereaved by suicide. Phone or email or visit the website to find your nearest group. AD

THE SANDYFORD INITIATIVE BETHANY CHRISTIAN TRUST 2-6 Sandyford Place, Sauchiehall Street, 65 Bonnington Rd, Edinburgh, EH6 5JQ Glasgow G3 7NB 0131 561 8930 0141 211 8130; www.sandyford.scot www.bethanychristiantrust.com Specialist sexual health services: Supports individuals and families to help counselling for male survivors of them tackle long-term homelessness childhood sexual abuse. Emergency problems including addictions, debt, contraception and rape/assault services. lack of furniture, unemployment and Testing and counselling for men who social isolation. have sex with men and for women AH, A, CA, C, DW, FF, OW involved in prostitution. MH, AD, C, DW, FC, MS, NE, OL COCAINE ANONYMOUS (SCOT) PO Box 26812, Glasgow G1 9AB 0141 959 6363 (24/7) RECOVERY www.cascotland.org.uk Fellowship of people who help each other to stay off cocaine, crack and ADDACTION other drugs. Contact them to find your Closed nearest meeting. It is patterned very This service is now called 'We Are With closely after Alcoholics Anonymous. You'. Contact details on Page K. C DW CROSSREACH (RANKEILLOR INITIATIVE) BETHANY CHRISTIAN CENTRE 205 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JH (MEN ONLY) 0131 225 4901; http://bit.ly/2rpvN2E 6 Casselbank St, Edinburgh EH6 5HA Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm (phone only for 0131 454 3125; referrals) Mon –Sun: 9am – 9pm; For those in the early stages of For homeless or vulnerable men with recovering from substance use, we can alcohol or drug problems who wish to provide temporary accommodation in take part in a work training programme. shared flats while you get back on your A, CA, DW, ET feet again. AH, A, C, DW, BA, BS, CL, CA, ET

CROSSREACH MOVE ON GLASGOW CITY MISSION (WHITEINCH) 20 Crimea Street, Glasgow G2 8PW 0/5, 13 Victoria Park Drive South, 0141 221 2630; glasgowcitymission.com Whiteinch, Glasgow G14 9RN Mon – Fri: 10am – 4pm 0141 959 5069, https://bit.ly/2MKuxzU Drop-in centre open to max 15 people Mon – Fri: 8am – 10pm; at a time. Offering support & advocacy. Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm; AC, AH, FF, IT, SF Phone first for referral/to arrange a visit. Temporary furnished accommodation and support to adults in recovery from GLASGOW COUNCIL ON ALCOHOL substance misuse, who have achieved 14 North Claremont St, Glasgow G3 7LE a period of stability through residential 0141 353 1800, http://bit.ly/2LZJHTs or community rehabilitation. For people 0808 802 9000 (freephone helpline) living clean, but some methadone, etc, Mon – Thu: 9am – 9pm; users who are stable will be considered. Fri: 9am – 5pm; Sat: 9am – 12pm MH, AH, A, C, DW, TS, SF GCA is an accredited counselling service and provides individual, free and confidential counselling for people DRINKLINE experiencing alcohol-related difficulties 0300 123 1110, https://bit.ly/1koY12l and those affected by someone else's Mon – Fri: 9am – 8pm; alcohol use. Group and 1-1 support. Sat & Sun: 11am – 4pm A, C, OL, SF Free, confidential helpline for people worried about their alcohol intake or anyone concerned about them. Advice HEALTH IN MIND on services to help you cut down your 0131 225 8508, http://bit.ly/Ivct8 drinking. Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm A, C, OL All meetings currently online on Zoom. A range of mental health and wellbeing services for people with housing and DRINK WISE, AGE WELL GLASGOW mental health support needs. You can (ADDACTION) self-refer to most services directly or Program ended - see 'We Are With You' ask your GP to refer you. Counselling; A support for people from minority ethnic communities; combatting isolation by connecting people; art therapy; suicide FRANK prevention; support with substance 0300 123 6600; talktofrank.com misuse; health information; training and Comprehensive and honest information more - check website for details. about drugs online. Find local drug MH, AH, AD, C, TS, AC, ET treatment centres Message us through the website in confidence. Text: 82111 DW

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HUNTER STREET SERVICES SECOND CHANCE PROJECT 55 Hunter Street, Glasgow G4 0UP SCOTLAND 0141 553 2826, http://bit.ly/2O3WYgB 402 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3JD Mon – Fri: 2 – 4pm (12 GP: people max); 0141 336 7272, http://bit.ly/2IGlaB4 1:30 - 4pm (addictions team); Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm; Three-stage day 9:30am – 4pm (health nursing, closed treatment programme for people with between 12:30 – 1pm) drug and/or alcohol problems. Training GPs, nurses and office staff also run & counselling. Self-referral. clinics at some hostels. Appointments ET, DW, A, C not necessary. Also mental health, sexual health, podiatry, dietitian. MH, AD, A, C, D, MS, OL, OW SMART RECOVERY smartrecovery.org.uk/onlinemeetings Zoom meetings listed on the website. KNOW THE SCORE Use their call-back service between 0800 587 5879, http://bit.ly/18PZAVr 9am – 5pm: request by email: Mon – Sun: 8am – 11pm (helpline); [email protected] Free confidential 24-hour drugs C, D information helpline and online advice. D TURNING POINT SCOTLAND (DRUG CRISIS CENTRE) NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS (NA) 123 West Street, Glasgow G5 8BA 0300 999 1212; ukna.org 0800 652 3757 (9am – 5pm) Helpline open 10am – midnight. http://bit.ly/1SVE0A0 Online meetings available Monday – Sunday: 24 hours D Drop-in, needle exchange, advice and assessment. Accommodation and support for people with addiction issues. SCOTTISH FAMILIES AFFECTED BY 24-hour advice, support and ALCOHOL & DRUGS assessment. 08080 10 10 11, http://bit.ly/2GeF0Sc Detox, GP clinics, residential unit, post- Mon – Fri: 9am – 9pm (helpline). residential methadone clinic, abcess Bereavement support & free and ulcer clinic, well-woman clinic and counselling. If you have lost someone much more. Also family support centre. to a drug-related death, call today for A, C, D, LF, MS, NE, SH, SF guidance, free counselling sessions, telephone support and peer support. Email: [email protected]

TURNING POINT SCOTLAND WE ARE WITH YOU (NE GLASGOW (HOMELESSNESS SERVICE) RECOVERY HUB) 112 Commerce Street, Tradeston, 24-28 Broad Street, Bridgeton, Glasgow Glasgow G5 9NT G40 2QL 0141 420 1929 0808 164 4261, https://bit.ly/3v1Cupl http://bit.ly/2xZuA45 Mon – Sun: 8am – 8pm (outside these Monday – Sunday: 24 hours hours, call 0808 178 5901) Needle exchange & temp For your recovery from alcohol and drug accommodation. 24 hour service for use. Individual support and tailored homeless people in crisis because of interventions, including outreach, mental health, drugs or alcohol. Call the helpline or email. A 12-bed residential unit provides a safe OW, OL, MH, AD, A, DW, ET environment to withdraw from a chaotic lifestyle. Average stay is 28–36 days. A, C, D, LF, MS, NE, SF, AD, AH, FC WE ARE WITH YOU (NW GLASGOW RECOVERY HUB) The Quadrangle, 59 Ruchill Street, TURNING POINT SCOTLAND Glasgow G20 9PX (NORTH EAST RECOVERY HUB 0808 178 5901, https://bit.ly/2P9nxSS EDINBURGH) Mon – Sun: 8am – 8pm (outside these 5 Links Place, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 7EZ hours, call 0808 178 5901) 0131 554 7516 (9am-5pm) For your recovery from alcohol and drug http://bit.ly/2qKeiWM use. Individual support and tailored Mon – Thur : 9am – 5pm interventions, incl outreach workers. Mon – Fri : 9am – 4:30pm Call the helpline or email. Drop-in is currently closed to the public MH, AD, A, DW, OL, OW - please call us on 0131 554 7516 to arrange support. Door service available for people with no phone. Needle Exchange is still running Mon – Fri at the times stated above. Range of addiction and recovery services open to men and women aged 16 and over who are aware they have a substance misuse problem and would like to start their recovery journey. Other services across Edinburgh available: call freephone number for information. A, AC, C, D, LF, MS, NE, SH, SF

REFUGEE SUPPORT SAFFRON HOUSING 553 Shields Road, Glasgow G41 2RW GLASGOW NIGHT SHELTER FOR 0141 422 1112, https://bit.ly/1PEg2cV DESTITUTE ASYLUM SEEKERS Mon, Tue, Thur & Fri: 9am – 5pm; 07818 372 130 Wed: 9am – 2pm To refer someone, please fill out this form: Accommodation and support for single glasgownightshelter.org/referrals minority ethnic homeless people (16–25) We provide 24/7 accommodation for with low support needs. Referral only destitute asylum seekers, together with via GP or social worker. Phone or email meals, casework and support to access [email protected] for info other vital services and rights. AH, BA, DA, TS AH, BS

SHAKTI WOMEN'S AID HEALTH IN MIND 0131 475 2399, http://bit.ly/13d5lf 0131 225 8508; healthinmind.org.uk Support and information to Black Minority Monday – Thursday: 9am – 5pm Ethnic women, children and young people A range of mental health and wellbeing experiencing or fleeing domestic abuse. services for people with housing and 24hr helpline: 0800 027 1234 mental health support needs. You can AD, OL, SF self-refer to most services or ask your GP to refer you. Phone appointments only. MH, AH, AD, C, TS, AC, ET YOUNG PEOPLE POSITIVE ACTION IN HOUSING CHILDLINE 98 West George Street, Glasgow G2 1PJ 0800 11 11 0141 353 2220; paih.org www.childline.org.uk Mon: 9am – 1pm (open) Free, confidential helpline for young Tue: 2 – 4pm (destitution service); people. Great information on the Wed & Thu: 10am – 12pm (destitution website. If you need support now service, welfare rights), 2 – 4pm (EU drop- or want to talk privately, contact a in); Friday: 9am – 4pm (open) counsellor for free. Independent, multilingual homelessness AD, C, MH and human rights charity dedicated to supporting people from refugee and migrant communities. AH, FF

BARNARDO'S GLASGOW GEN R 8 HOUSING (SAFER CHOICES) 69 Aberdalgie Rd, Easterhouse, 91 Mitchell St, Glasgow, G1 3LN Glasgow ,G34 9HJ 01412432393; www.barnardos.org.uk 0141 771 6161 Mon – Fri: 9:30am – 5:30pm; https://bit.ly/3r60Aht Mon & Wed: 6pm – 2:30am Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm Offices are no longer open due to Covid. Advice & support for 16–24 people from Confidential crisis service for people Glasgow helping them to develop skills under 18. they need to maintain a home. Phone the helpline or email AH, AD, BA, CA, DA, TS, SF [email protected] AD, A, C, D, MS, OW NUMBER 20 (FOUR SQUARE) Edinburgh EDINBURGH CITY YOUTH CAFE 0131 557 1739 11–15 Vennel, Edinburgh,EH1 2HU www.foursquare.org. uk/contact 0131 229 1797; www.6vt.info Email: [email protected] Mon – Fri: 7 – 8pm (online drop-in) Temporary emergency supported Working remotely during lockdown, but accommodation for young women and some face-to-face drop in avaiable. men. No direct referrals, have to go Please contact us through the website or through the council: 0800 032 5968 email [email protected]. MH, C, D, OW, ET MH, AH, A, C, DA, D, ET, MS

PENUMBRA EDINBURGH RAPE CRISIS CENTRE 0131 475 2380 17 Claremont Cres, EH7 4HX penumbra.org.uk 08088 01 03 02; www.ercc.scot [email protected] 07537 410 027 (text) Head office temporarily closed – [email protected] contact via email. Mon – Sun: 6pm – midnight (helpline) Wide range of mental health services for Free and confidential emotional and adults and young people. practical support and information to Good leaflets on self-harm. women, all members of the transgender MH, A, C, D, TS community. Young people aged 12–18 who live in Edinburgh and the Lothians and have experienced sexual violence can get help via STAR: [email protected] AD, C

FC Foot care LS Luggage storage OL Outreach worker links IT Internet access MD Music/drama OW Outreach workers L Laundry MH Mental health SF Step-free LA Legal advice MS Medical services SH Sexual health WORK & LF Leisure facilities NE Needle exchange TS Tenancy support TRAINING www.thepavement.org.uk M The List

QUARRIERS STOPOVER ROCK TRUST (ALBANY ST) 0141 420 3121; 55 Albany St, Edinburgh EH1 3QY quarriers.org.uk/services/stopover 0131 557 4059; rocktrust.org Mon – Sun: 24/7 Mon – Fri: 8:45am – 5pm For men and women aged 16-25. (drop-in 9am – 12 noon) Accommodation is on the upper levels Mon: 4pm – 7pm (cooking group); of a four-storey building, so not suitable Tue & Wed: 4 – 7pm (drop-in) for people with physical disabilities. Advises, educates and supports young They support young people people. Enables them to build the experiencing drug addiction, alcohol personal skills and resources required to misuse, mental health problems, make a positive and healthy transition to offending behaviour or severe adulthood, while avoiding or moving on emotional and psychological issues. from homelessness. ET, D, BA, A, AD, AH, MH MH, AH, BS, CL, C, FF, F, IT, L, TS

QUARRIERS - 'WHAT IF' MEN RUNAWAY HELPLINE 0141 638 5170; 24/7 116 000 (call or text, open 24hrs) [email protected] www.runawayhelpline.org.uk Supports young men (18–25) with Free, confidential 24-hour helpline for complex needs. young people who've run away or are MH, AH, AD, A, C, D, MS, OW thinking of running away. 1-2-1 web chat service for people aged 11–17. Over 17s can still get support through QUARRIERS - 'WHAT IF' WOMEN the helpline on 116 000. Unit 5, The Quadrangle, C 59 Ruchill St, Glasgow G20 9PX 0141 946 1116; 24/7 [email protected] SAFFRON HOUSING Supports young women (18–25) 553 Shields Rd, Glasgow, G41 2RW with complex needs. 0141 422 1112; southside-ha.org MH, AH, AD, A, C, D, MS, OW Accommodation and support for single minority ethnic homeless people (16–25) with low support needs. Referral only via GP or social worker. Phone or email for more information: [email protected] AH, BA, DA, TS

SAY WOMEN BETHANY CHRISTIAN TRUST 3rd Floor, 30 Bell St, Glasgow G1 1LG (COMMUNITY EDUCATION) 0141 552 5803; say-women.co.uk 65 Bonnington Rd, Edinburgh EH6 5JQ Mon – Fri: 9:30am – 9:30pm; 0131 561 8930; Helpline and accommodation for www.bethanychristiantust.com women aged 16–25 who are homeless Tuesday Morning: IT Drop in or threatened with homelessness and Wednesday Afternoon: Creative Writing are survivors of child sexual abuse, rape Opening again in January 2021. Call or sexual abuse. Phone first for support. first to check. AH ET, CA

WELLBEING SERVICE FOR YOUNG MOVE ON (GLASGOW) PEOPLE 4th Fl, 24 St Enoch Sq, Glasgow, G1 4AA 171 Wilton St, Glasgow, G20 6DF 0141 221 2272; www.moveon.org.uk 0141 945 3871; www.qcha.org.uk Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm 24/7 support for homeless aged 16–21. Enables homeless people to develop the Referral only via Glasgow City Council skills and tools they need to reach their via 0800 838 502 (open after 4:45pm) own long-term solutions. AH, AD, BA, C, ET Majority of services for young people, but there are some services available for everyone. AH, AD, ET, OW WORK & TRAINING APEX SCOTLAND 9 Gt Stuart St, Edinburgh, EH3 7TP LGBTQI+ apexscotland.org.uk For offenders, ex-offenders and young EACH people at risk of offending. 0808 1000 143 (helpline); Help with employment, training or each.education/homophobic- further education. transphobic-helpline "We work with each person where it is Helpline and support for young people needed to ensure that they can fulfil affected by homophobic bullying. their potential – even if they can’t yet Email: [email protected] see it in themselves." AD, C, LA [email protected] EO, ET

EQUALITY NETWORK STONEWALL SCOTLAND www.equality-network.org www.stonewallscotland.org.uk 0131 467 6039 0800 0502020 (freephone) A leading national charity working for Mon – Fri: 9:30am – 4:30pm lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and Help, information and support for LGBT intersex (LGBTI) equality and communities and their allies. Contact human rights in Scotland. Freephone for information. Run events, 1-2-1 support groups and C, LA, OL produce guidance. C, OL SWITCHBOARD LGBT+ 0300 330 0630 GALOP switchboard.lgbt www.galop.org.uk Mon – Sun: 10am – 10pm (helpline) 020 7704 2040 (Hate Crime Helpline) For LGBT+ people who have experienced Mon – Tue: 10am – 4pm hate crime, sexual violence or domestic 0800 999 5428 (Domestic Abuse Help) abuse. Supports people who have Mon, Tue & Fri: 10am – 5pm had problems with the police or Wed & Thur: 10am – 8pm have questions about the criminal The LGBT+ anti-violence charity. justice system. Phone or email chris@ Offers support for LGBTQ+ people switchboard.lgbt or message via the experiencing hate crime, website. Bereavement help. sexual violence or transphobia. LA, AD, MH Online chat and free helpine available. AH, AD, C, MS, LA

LGBT HELPLINE SCOTLAND www.lgbthealth.org.uk [email protected] 0300 123 2523 helpline open on: Tue & Wed: 12noon – 9pm Thu & Sun: 1 – 6pm Working to improve the health, wellbeing and equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) people in Scotland. C, MH, OL

P | The List Jul/Aug 2021