November 15, 2024 • 16 mins
In this episode of the Rural Homelessness Podcast, host Matt McChlery discusses the pressing issue of rural homelessness in the UK with a resident named Kieran. Kieran shares his personal journey from experiencing homelessness to finding support through the Ferry Project. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by homeless individuals, the misconceptions surrounding homelessness, and the importance of community support and understanding. Kieran emphasizes the need for compassion and the willingness to ask for help, illustrating how the Ferry Project has made a significant difference in his life.
Links
Takeaways
- Rural homelessness is a significant issue in the UK.
- Personal experiences of homelessness can be transformative.
- Support services like the Ferry Project are crucial for recovery.
- Misconceptions about homelessness often lead to stigma.
- Community kindness can make a difference in a homeless person's life.
- Asking for help is a vital step towards recovery.
- There is hope and a path forward for those experiencing homelessness.
- Education and skills training can empower individuals to rebuild their lives.
- Understanding the reasons behind homelessness fosters compassion.
- Everyone deserves a chance to be heard and helped.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rural Homelessness 02:00 Kieran's Journey: From Homelessness to Hope 10:13 Misconceptions About Homelessness 12:00 Life After the Ferry Project
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:06):
This is the Rural Homelessness Podcast, where we discuss the important issues around ruralhomelessness, hear from those affected by it, and offer some solutions.
Brought to you by the award-winning homelessness charity, The Ferry Project.
Welcome to the Rural Homelessness Podcast.
(00:27):
Hello and welcome to this episode of the Rural Homelessness Podcast.
I'm your host, Matt McChlery Thank you so much for joining me today.
And thank you for joining in the discussion around rural homelessness and helping toelevate it amongst the sort of the national conversation in the UK at the moment, because
(00:49):
rural homelessness really is a problem for us here in the UK, and it's something that weneed to talk about more.
Now, in just a moment on today's episode, I'm going to be chatting with a resident of thevery project called Kieran.
And he is going to be sharing with us his experiences of being homeless, as well as thesupport and help that he has been given here at The Ferry Project.
(01:15):
But before I do, I just wanted to remind you or let you know that we now have a mailinglist.
If you want to be kept up to date with everything that's going on with the podcast, orindeed The Ferry Project charity in general,
So head over to our website, ferryproject.org.uk and go to the contact page and therethere's a button you can click on to sign up to our mailing list to be kept up to date
(01:44):
with everything that's going on.
So do head over there and do that in just a moment once you finish listening to this,obviously.
So here is Kieran sharing his story with us.
So Kieran, thank you very much for
Joining us today, welcome to the podcast.
problem, thank you very much for me.
(02:04):
Just to start off with then, could you just tell us a little bit about what life was likefor you before coming to the Ferry Project?
I was married in 2010.
Had a son with her IVF, which was difficult.
(02:25):
And at the moment, as everyone does, caught my...
with my so-called best friend in bed when I came home from work.
it went downhill from there, ended up on the streets for little while.
A friend who I've known for a long time took me in, stayed there nearly 70 years.
(02:47):
Unfortunately, he'll help, got better of him, but took him to a full-time care home.
property had to be sold to compensate for that, but I ended up back on the street and...
trying to find a place where it's a nightmare.
References, credit checks, couldn't get it.
And last hope was to council and they finally got me in the ferry project.
(03:14):
I had the option of going to the start, as everyone does, but kicked out a couple oftimes.
Through like threatening behaviour to the white man, used to the help, always keptthinking what the...
What do they want?
What they after?
What are they trying to do to me?
But in the long run, I've never been here two years.
(03:35):
I can't thank them enough.
They have done so much for me.
And there's no words to express what they've done.
Really, seriously.
I'm now halfway of the movement on.
And that's down to these.
I've done a computer course.
Beginners, essentially one...
(03:58):
Programming, maintenance and repairs.
I'm now starting at Central 2, which is intermediate.
Bit more difficult, but if I hadn't come here, I wouldn't have on that either.
They help with medical.
If I had problems with myself, they'd be fantastic.
It's been an uphill battle till, but now and there, it's getting a little bit easier.
(04:21):
It really is.
Losing members apparently, been difficult.
and
going through the rotted patches as everyone does, but they let help.
And I would recommend them all day long.
That's great.
So going back to where you were homeless, what was that experience like for you?
(04:49):
Hard, difficult.
People just looking at you walk past you, nothing.
And it's horrible.
When you're
You were something for years and made yourself something for 23rd to 40th and then you hitthat.
To me it's like degrading.
(05:10):
People just look at you and go, son, look at you, can't be bothered.
It's not the fact you can't be bothered, it's the fact unfortunate things happen and as aresult sometimes it goes that way or you might be fortunate and fortunate must go away.
It's difficult.
(05:31):
You you're scared to sleep at night in case somebody robs you.
Trying to find your next meal.
You know, I'm trying to be self-clean.
It is horrible.
How easy was it for you to like try and access services and things to help you when youwere...
It was difficult because not knowing who to turn to.
When you've done everything yourself and not relied on people.
(05:55):
It's hard to know where to go.
who to turn to and what to look for.
And the last resort was the council to see if they knew.
And this is what I ran into real with.
And what would you say was one of your biggest challenges that you faced when you werehomeless?
I I'm sure there were many.
(06:18):
Challenges were trying to find a way to get your head down, making sure you're safe, beingstill scared to sleep at night.
case you got robbed, case you kicked to your death, trying to get clean.
It's so, so difficult.
And how did you come to
(06:43):
know about the services or the ferry project, for example, how, how, how did thatconnection happen for you?
I didn't know nothing about the ferry.
I had no knowledge until I went to the council and the council paid for the taxi, got mean hour.
And this was still in the house.
(07:06):
Yeah.
And I know being homeless is incredibly
difficult and stressful.
But were there any times when, I know you've said that a lot of people kind of looked downon you or kind of pretended that you didn't exist.
But were there some instances where there were some people who were actually kind andtried to offer help or not really?
(07:34):
What's your experience?
In a couple, yeah, there's not many people that would nowadays.
Crap.
Not really fashion in a day.
Everything's changed, it's getting faster.
People are moving quicker.
They just feel like it might have been too quick.
They don't even second-guide you nowadays.
(07:56):
So you've been to the council, they've put you in touch with Ferry Project.
So on first coming to the Ferry Project then, what was that like for you?
How did you feel when you first kind of walked through the doors?
I didn't know what to expect.
(08:17):
You know, I really had no knowledge of FH, hadn't even heard of it.
And it's like a big building.
You think, wow, what's going to happen?
All kinds of things go through your mind.
(08:39):
they're great at quite, they help.
I didn't know where it'd go when I first came here.
And did it take you bit of time to settle?
Yeah.
good, yeah.
Definitely.
You've already mentioned some of the computer skills that you've been helped with here.
(09:05):
Are there other things that they've helped you with?
Like training or Dutch cooking or whatever?
don't know.
sure for sure.
We did a cooking thing here and I'll try to pardon that.
They loved it.
pretty good.
I've done it over where I am now.
Like what I cook up.
(09:28):
And it's starved.
Love it.
That's what I do.
I look after those that look after me.
And that's how it should be with everybody.
Right.
Since you've come to Fair Project, what would you say some of your high nights of yourexperience have been?
(09:50):
What are you most proud of during your journey?
Health outcome.
Well, being rock bottom to where I am now.
Meeting new good friends, knowing that there are genuine people out there.
You know, it's hard blowing to them, but they're there.
(10:13):
Yeah, that's great.
From your experience being a homeless person or once yourself, do you think people in thegeneral public, people generally have misconceptions about homelessness and those who
experience it?
Yeah, I think they do because sometimes when you're in a busy crowd and you see peoplewalk past a homeless person, they blame them for being homeless.
(10:44):
And it's not always their fault.
Yes, there are people out there that can't be bothered, and there's genuine people thatdon't want to be on the street, that are trying to get off the street.
So it's a bit of a match, really.
Yeah, you know, but to get the gossip about that, why don't you just ask them, why don'tyou just try and help them out?
(11:09):
And what would be one of the things you'd like to say to people about...
Don't judge them.
Don't judge them because it's not always they're fault, the homeless.
There's a reason behind it.
There's always a reason for it.
(11:30):
Don't judge them.
Come to them.
Talk to them.
Yeah, and...
Don't cost him.
Never judge a person until you get to know them.
Then make me mind not before you know them because you don't know them.
(11:51):
That's good advice.
Thank you.
You shared a bit about what life was like and the sort of circumstances around becominghomeless then coming into the ferry projects and then being helped.
What's life like now?
(12:12):
Where are you at now?
Halfway.
The way I looked at life is I almost fell off the ladder.
Coming here was the first step to where I am, second step.
Doing the vehicle is third step.
Then once you get down to poverty, that's where I'm at.
(12:33):
So I'm a jail of all detail.
Moving forward, not down.
Really just good.
And where would you see yourself?
What are your hopes for the future?
Just to get my own place and settle.
For life.
Instead of keep going on the street and moving here, there and everywhere.
There's no life.
You know, I'm not getting any younger.
(12:54):
You know, I hope so.
But, it's not.
But, there's a light at end of the tunnel.
Even though if you can't see the light, it is there.
And you'll always find it.
It's just being a bit of A of help.
Honestly, it don't cost.
(13:15):
You know, these help.
I asked the council, bro.
And I've never asked anyone for anything.
And that was the first time of that too.
And they help.
Always, if you're in trouble, just ask.
Go to your local council.
And they will have the information or help.
Or they will help you get somewhere.
(13:38):
Even if it's shared, it doesn't matter.
It's a roof.
It's warmth.
It's a bed.
Food.
Drink.
You're not on the street.
classroom.
that's great.
And just as we come to the end of our chat, could you just sum up how the Ferry Projecthas helped you and the difference it's made in your life.
(14:03):
They are so so supportive.
If you're peeling down, there, come on have a chat.
You know, if you, there's courses, there's education here, there's
Artwork, there's so many different varieties of things and they will help you find it.
(14:24):
They helped me to do this computer course as where I and unable to do my original work,know, landscape, fog of drama, can't do nothing.
So I've turned myself to something else I can still do.
You know, so it's said.
(14:46):
Just ask.
These are fantastic.
Absolutely.
There's no words.
Like, over them in life.
That's all I can say on the master, but if there's anyone out there that is stuck, go toyour own council or come to the fairbanks.
Simple.
Just ask for the help.
(15:07):
That's very key, I think, being a little...
able to ask for help but it doesn't cost nothing to ask anybody.
Okay, I better bite me pride.
And it didn't.
Thing is, yes, I thought it did, but it didn't.
(15:28):
Fighting Pride, going to all.
They're there to help.
And they will help.
It's just asking.
That's great.
Well, thank you, Kieran.
Thank you for sharing your story with us today and your experiences.
And yeah, I wish you all the best.
you very much.
(15:48):
Thank you.
And a very big thank you to Kieran for sharing his story with us today.
Now we have changed his name.
His name isn't really Kieran.
He just asked us to help keep his identity.
anonymous, so we've respected his wishes and we've done that for him.
(16:10):
So that's what we were doing there.
But thank you so much for listening.
Do join us again either on the first or the 15th of the month where we will be havinganother informative episode all about rural homelessness, discussing problems and possible
solutions.
So do join us again really soon.
(16:31):
Thank you and goodbye.
Thank you for listening to the Rural Homelessness Podcast brought to you by The FerryProject.
Visit our website on www.ferryproject.org.uk
This is the Rural Homelessness Podcast, where we discuss the important issues around ruralhomelessness, hear from those affected by it, and offer some solutions.
Brought to you by the award-winning homelessness charity, The Ferry Project.
Welcome to the Rural Homelessness Podcast.
(00:27):
Hello and welcome to this episode of the Rural Homelessness Podcast.
I'm your host, Matt McChlery Thank you so much for joining me today.
And thank you for joining in the discussion around rural homelessness and helping toelevate it amongst the sort of the national conversation in the UK at the moment, because
(00:49):
rural homelessness really is a problem for us here in the UK, and it's something that weneed to talk about more.
Now, in just a moment on today's episode, I'm going to be chatting with a resident of thevery project called Kieran.
And he is going to be sharing with us his experiences of being homeless, as well as thesupport and help that he has been given here at The Ferry Project.
(01:15):
But before I do, I just wanted to remind you or let you know that we now have a mailinglist.
If you want to be kept up to date with everything that's going on with the podcast, orindeed The Ferry Project charity in general,
So head over to our website, ferryproject.org.uk and go to the contact page and therethere's a button you can click on to sign up to our mailing list to be kept up to date
(01:44):
with everything that's going on.
So do head over there and do that in just a moment once you finish listening to this,obviously.
So here is Kieran sharing his story with us.
So Kieran, thank you very much for
Joining us today, welcome to the podcast.
problem, thank you very much for me.
(02:04):
Just to start off with then, could you just tell us a little bit about what life was likefor you before coming to the Ferry Project?
I was married in 2010.
Had a son with her IVF, which was difficult.
(02:25):
And at the moment, as everyone does, caught my...
with my so-called best friend in bed when I came home from work.
it went downhill from there, ended up on the streets for little while.
A friend who I've known for a long time took me in, stayed there nearly 70 years.
(02:47):
Unfortunately, he'll help, got better of him, but took him to a full-time care home.
property had to be sold to compensate for that, but I ended up back on the street and...
trying to find a place where it's a nightmare.
References, credit checks, couldn't get it.
And last hope was to council and they finally got me in the ferry project.
(03:14):
I had the option of going to the start, as everyone does, but kicked out a couple oftimes.
Through like threatening behaviour to the white man, used to the help, always keptthinking what the...
What do they want?
What they after?
What are they trying to do to me?
But in the long run, I've never been here two years.
(03:35):
I can't thank them enough.
They have done so much for me.
And there's no words to express what they've done.
Really, seriously.
I'm now halfway of the movement on.
And that's down to these.
I've done a computer course.
Beginners, essentially one...
(03:58):
Programming, maintenance and repairs.
I'm now starting at Central 2, which is intermediate.
Bit more difficult, but if I hadn't come here, I wouldn't have on that either.
They help with medical.
If I had problems with myself, they'd be fantastic.
It's been an uphill battle till, but now and there, it's getting a little bit easier.
(04:21):
It really is.
Losing members apparently, been difficult.
and
going through the rotted patches as everyone does, but they let help.
And I would recommend them all day long.
That's great.
So going back to where you were homeless, what was that experience like for you?
(04:49):
Hard, difficult.
People just looking at you walk past you, nothing.
And it's horrible.
When you're
You were something for years and made yourself something for 23rd to 40th and then you hitthat.
To me it's like degrading.
(05:10):
People just look at you and go, son, look at you, can't be bothered.
It's not the fact you can't be bothered, it's the fact unfortunate things happen and as aresult sometimes it goes that way or you might be fortunate and fortunate must go away.
It's difficult.
(05:31):
You you're scared to sleep at night in case somebody robs you.
Trying to find your next meal.
You know, I'm trying to be self-clean.
It is horrible.
How easy was it for you to like try and access services and things to help you when youwere...
It was difficult because not knowing who to turn to.
When you've done everything yourself and not relied on people.
(05:55):
It's hard to know where to go.
who to turn to and what to look for.
And the last resort was the council to see if they knew.
And this is what I ran into real with.
And what would you say was one of your biggest challenges that you faced when you werehomeless?
I I'm sure there were many.
(06:18):
Challenges were trying to find a way to get your head down, making sure you're safe, beingstill scared to sleep at night.
case you got robbed, case you kicked to your death, trying to get clean.
It's so, so difficult.
And how did you come to
(06:43):
know about the services or the ferry project, for example, how, how, how did thatconnection happen for you?
I didn't know nothing about the ferry.
I had no knowledge until I went to the council and the council paid for the taxi, got mean hour.
And this was still in the house.
(07:06):
Yeah.
And I know being homeless is incredibly
difficult and stressful.
But were there any times when, I know you've said that a lot of people kind of looked downon you or kind of pretended that you didn't exist.
But were there some instances where there were some people who were actually kind andtried to offer help or not really?
(07:34):
What's your experience?
In a couple, yeah, there's not many people that would nowadays.
Crap.
Not really fashion in a day.
Everything's changed, it's getting faster.
People are moving quicker.
They just feel like it might have been too quick.
They don't even second-guide you nowadays.
(07:56):
So you've been to the council, they've put you in touch with Ferry Project.
So on first coming to the Ferry Project then, what was that like for you?
How did you feel when you first kind of walked through the doors?
I didn't know what to expect.
(08:17):
You know, I really had no knowledge of FH, hadn't even heard of it.
And it's like a big building.
You think, wow, what's going to happen?
All kinds of things go through your mind.
(08:39):
they're great at quite, they help.
I didn't know where it'd go when I first came here.
And did it take you bit of time to settle?
Yeah.
good, yeah.
Definitely.
You've already mentioned some of the computer skills that you've been helped with here.
(09:05):
Are there other things that they've helped you with?
Like training or Dutch cooking or whatever?
don't know.
sure for sure.
We did a cooking thing here and I'll try to pardon that.
They loved it.
pretty good.
I've done it over where I am now.
Like what I cook up.
(09:28):
And it's starved.
Love it.
That's what I do.
I look after those that look after me.
And that's how it should be with everybody.
Right.
Since you've come to Fair Project, what would you say some of your high nights of yourexperience have been?
(09:50):
What are you most proud of during your journey?
Health outcome.
Well, being rock bottom to where I am now.
Meeting new good friends, knowing that there are genuine people out there.
You know, it's hard blowing to them, but they're there.
(10:13):
Yeah, that's great.
From your experience being a homeless person or once yourself, do you think people in thegeneral public, people generally have misconceptions about homelessness and those who
experience it?
Yeah, I think they do because sometimes when you're in a busy crowd and you see peoplewalk past a homeless person, they blame them for being homeless.
(10:44):
And it's not always their fault.
Yes, there are people out there that can't be bothered, and there's genuine people thatdon't want to be on the street, that are trying to get off the street.
So it's a bit of a match, really.
Yeah, you know, but to get the gossip about that, why don't you just ask them, why don'tyou just try and help them out?
(11:09):
And what would be one of the things you'd like to say to people about...
Don't judge them.
Don't judge them because it's not always they're fault, the homeless.
There's a reason behind it.
There's always a reason for it.
(11:30):
Don't judge them.
Come to them.
Talk to them.
Yeah, and...
Don't cost him.
Never judge a person until you get to know them.
Then make me mind not before you know them because you don't know them.
(11:51):
That's good advice.
Thank you.
You shared a bit about what life was like and the sort of circumstances around becominghomeless then coming into the ferry projects and then being helped.
What's life like now?
(12:12):
Where are you at now?
Halfway.
The way I looked at life is I almost fell off the ladder.
Coming here was the first step to where I am, second step.
Doing the vehicle is third step.
Then once you get down to poverty, that's where I'm at.
(12:33):
So I'm a jail of all detail.
Moving forward, not down.
Really just good.
And where would you see yourself?
What are your hopes for the future?
Just to get my own place and settle.
For life.
Instead of keep going on the street and moving here, there and everywhere.
There's no life.
You know, I'm not getting any younger.
(12:54):
You know, I hope so.
But, it's not.
But, there's a light at end of the tunnel.
Even though if you can't see the light, it is there.
And you'll always find it.
It's just being a bit of A of help.
Honestly, it don't cost.
(13:15):
You know, these help.
I asked the council, bro.
And I've never asked anyone for anything.
And that was the first time of that too.
And they help.
Always, if you're in trouble, just ask.
Go to your local council.
And they will have the information or help.
Or they will help you get somewhere.
(13:38):
Even if it's shared, it doesn't matter.
It's a roof.
It's warmth.
It's a bed.
Food.
Drink.
You're not on the street.
classroom.
that's great.
And just as we come to the end of our chat, could you just sum up how the Ferry Projecthas helped you and the difference it's made in your life.
(14:03):
They are so so supportive.
If you're peeling down, there, come on have a chat.
You know, if you, there's courses, there's education here, there's
Artwork, there's so many different varieties of things and they will help you find it.
(14:24):
They helped me to do this computer course as where I and unable to do my original work,know, landscape, fog of drama, can't do nothing.
So I've turned myself to something else I can still do.
You know, so it's said.
(14:46):
Just ask.
These are fantastic.
Absolutely.
There's no words.
Like, over them in life.
That's all I can say on the master, but if there's anyone out there that is stuck, go toyour own council or come to the fairbanks.
Simple.
Just ask for the help.
(15:07):
That's very key, I think, being a little...
able to ask for help but it doesn't cost nothing to ask anybody.
Okay, I better bite me pride.
And it didn't.
Thing is, yes, I thought it did, but it didn't.
(15:28):
Fighting Pride, going to all.
They're there to help.
And they will help.
It's just asking.
That's great.
Well, thank you, Kieran.
Thank you for sharing your story with us today and your experiences.
And yeah, I wish you all the best.
you very much.
(15:48):
Thank you.
And a very big thank you to Kieran for sharing his story with us today.
Now we have changed his name.
His name isn't really Kieran.
He just asked us to help keep his identity.
anonymous, so we've respected his wishes and we've done that for him.
(16:10):
So that's what we were doing there.
But thank you so much for listening.
Do join us again either on the first or the 15th of the month where we will be havinganother informative episode all about rural homelessness, discussing problems and possible
solutions.
So do join us again really soon.
(16:31):
Thank you and goodbye.
Thank you for listening to the Rural Homelessness Podcast brought to you by The FerryProject.
Visit our website on www.ferryproject.org.uk
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