Having been given the task to write a blog that “Captures Cardiff and the South Wales area” I thought the best way I could ignite my imagination was by wandering the city’s streets. After all, this is where real people inhabit and the place real stories are born.
As I lethargically sauntered around town, painstakingly doing my Christmas shopping, I was approached by a man selling The Big Issue. Rummaging through my pockets, I pulled out all of my small change and bought a copy- after all it’s Christmas.
Having exchanged pleasantries, we began to make small talk. Before I knew it I was engaged in a full blown conversation about homelessness and the issues surrounding the subject in South Wales.
Each question I asked was elicited with a short speech. Although his ramblings took up most of my afternoon, I didn’t mind as his insight into this forgotten world was fascinating yet, at the same time, incredibly sad.
I began to think about the number of those living on the streets. Without knowing it, I had subconsciously ignored the vast majority of those sitting in doorways, as all of a sudden I couldn’t look anywhere without seeing someone begging.
Figures from The National Assemly for Wales show that the number of recorded homeless in Wales is continuing to grow. Shelter Cymru estimates that as many as fifty-thousand people experience homelessness in Wales every year.
For most of us, it’s difficult to imagine sleeping on the streets, particularly over the festive period. For many, Christmas is a chance to relax and a time for people to be with their friends and their families- not a time to wake up cold and alone. The stark reality however for hundreds of people across the region is quite different.
Homeless people come from all walks of life. Gareth Whittaker is forty-three and he’s been living on the streets of Cardiff for almost twenty years. Having gone to university and served in the army he didn’t ever imagine he would be sleeping rough.
As Gareth told me, few of those on the streets choose to be homeless. Most would like to have a permanent home, a job and a settled life style, but it’s a big step from being on the streets to living independently.
Gareth Whittaker audio:
Before long, Gareth introduced me to a number of his friends. From those I spoke to, there was a general consensus that “there’s a need for emergency accommodation for rough sleepers.” Particularly in the winter months.
I tend to agree with them. A night shelter would provide a safe refuge for those who sleep rough and those who struggle with the relentless cycle of homelessness and addiction.
Jeremy is one of Gareth’s friends. This is what he had to say:
This winter, seven churches in Newport are opening their doors to those who don’t have anywhere to stay. The Newport Night Project gives those who are homeless the opportunity to escape the cold weather during the winter period. For two months the shelter will provide food and a bed for the night, for those in need.
Click here to follow The Newport Night Shelter on Facebook
The Newport Night Shelter
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St Julians Methodist Church, Newport.
I caught up with Jade Holtham, Project co-ordinator of Newport Teen Challenge. She believes more needs to be done to help those living on the streets in South Wales.
An interview with Jade Holtham.
The Newport Night Shelter and Newport Teen Challenge
Jade Holtham
- What is the Newport Night Shelter about and how does it work?
St Julians Methodist Church- one of seven churches in Newport opening their doors to the homeless this winter.
2. How long has the Newport Night Shelter been running?
Where the homeless can seek refuge for the night.
3. Where did the idea for the Newport Night Shelter come from and how did you get involved?
Volunteers serving up the food.
4. What more can be done to help homeless people in South Wales?
The meal- Cottage pie and mixed vegetables...mmm.
5. How serious is homelessness in South Wales?
Tucking into a hot meal.
6. What do you hope the Newport Night Shelter will achieve?
Getting ready for bed.
7. How do you deal with people acting aggressively?
The Night Shelter's policies
8. Does this sort of thing happen regularly?
One of Newport's success stories.
9. What other initiatives and schemes are you hoping to get involved in?
10. What do you think the Newport Night Shelter means to those who use the service?
I spoke to Raymond- a homeless man staying at the Newport Night Shelter. For many of those living rough like Raymond, the Christmas period merely highlights an uncertain future.
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On the first Friday of December, Huggard- a charity offering support for the homeless in Cardiff- holds a sleep out in Cardiff. The charity hope the event will raise much needed funds as well as awareness for those who are homeless and vulnerable.
Twenty-two year old Peter Whalley slept rough in Cardiff for five years.
With his drink and drug addiction he thought there was no way out and he believed he had no hope.
Peter has turned his life around and now has a job, is engaged and a place he can call home.
He told me about his experiences living on the streets and encouraged others living rough to follow his example.
1. What issues are there surrounding homelessness in South Wales?
2. Can you explain what it’s like to sleep rough in Cardiff?
3. What do the homeless think of events like the Big Sleep Out?
4. As someone who’s got themselves off of the street, what advice would you give people who are homeless to do the same?
An interview with Richard Edward’s
The Big Sleep Out
- What is the Big Sleep Out about
2. How long has the Big Sleep Out been running?
The Big Sleep Out begins (04/12/09)
3. Where did the idea come from and how did you get involved?
Getting ready for their first night on the streets.
4. What do you hope the Big Sleep Out will achieve?
Braving it at 2am.
5. How many people got involved in the Big Sleep Out and why do you think they did get involved?
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Huggard Centre, Tresillian Way, Cardiff.
The number of those deemed as homeless has reduced according to the latest statistics released by Cardiff County Council.
The news comes five months after The Welsh Assembly unveiled a ten-year plan to deal with the number of those living on the streets.
Despite the drop, Shelter Cymru has warned the recession could have a severe affect on the amount of homeless people in South Wales.
Richard Edwards, the Chief Executive of the Huggard Centre, a charity that offers support for the homeless in Cardiff, says he has noticed the difference in the numbers coming for help since the economic down-turn.
So what more can be done to help those sleeping rough in South Wales? I spoke to Richard Edward’s, the Chief Executive of the Huggard Centre.
Huggard Centre- a place the homeless can seek help.
An interview with Richard Edward’s
Huggard Centre
Richard Edwards- Huggard Centre Chief Executive
- What sort of work do you do here at the Huggard Centre?
2. What’s it like working at the Huggard Centre?
3. How serious is the issue of homelessness in South Wales?
Entrance to the Huggard Centre.
4. What more can be done to help the homeless in South Wales?
5. Has the recession affected homelessness?
6. What does Christmas mean to a lot of those on the streets?
Drugs: The harsh reality for many living on the streets in Cardiff and South Wales.
7. What more could Cardiff City Council and the Welsh Assembly Government do to help those who are homeless and reduce the numbers of those on the streets?
8. What message would you give to those on the streets at the moment who perhaps think they have no hope and no future, particulalry over the Christmas period?
The video below looks at the lives of young people currently seeking accomodation at the Huggard Centre and offers an insight into their work.
Podcast- Homelessness in South Wales
