Wisdom from the Street Blogs

An Introduction to Wisdom from the Street

In 2011, we conducted a qualitative review of over 100 people…

9th August 2018/by Stephanie

1 of 13 More than Fixing

What I need isn't just to come off drugs, quit alcohol and get a job. I need to feel that I'm worth something, then I might want to do those other things

9th October 2018/by Stephanie

2 of 13 Right Intervention at the Right Time

Right now isn't a good time for me to start my healthy eating plan. Right now, I'm trying to get my kids back, so this pizza will do just fine

10th October 2018/by Stephanie

3 of 13 Over Medicalisation of Mental Health Issues

That’s just what I need. More pills and someone to talk to about why I feel crazy. You would too if you slept in a tiny room next to someone screaming all night

10th November 2018/by Stephanie

4 of 13 Delivery to the Lowest Common Denominator

Before I became homeless I worked as an accountant. Now I have to prove I can write my own budget plan. It's humiliating. Is this really how low I've fallen?

11th November 2018/by Stephanie

5 of 13 More than Needs and Risks

I was abused by my step-dad. I drink a litre of vodka a day. I last had unprotected sex last week. Now your turn... I didn't think so

10th December 2018/by Stephanie

6 of 13 Need for Strengths, Abilities and Aspirations

Before I became homeless, I used to love playing guitar and going to gigs. Funnily enough, I still do

10th December 2018/by Stephanie

7 of 13 Need for Meaningful Relationships

Imagine only spending time with your doctor, your dentist and your next door neighbour, Cabin fever anyone?

11th December 2018/by Stephanie

8 of 13 Balanced Power Dynamics

Yeah, sure, I'm off drugs and I haven't had a drink since last week *a-hem*. If it means I keep the roof over my head, then I'll tell you whatever you need to hear. Wouldn't you?

12th December 2018/by Stephanie

9 of 13 Appropriate Professional Support

I'm not sure the security guard at my mental health unit really knows what to say when I talk about how I was beaten up as a kid

14th December 2018/by Stephanie

10 of 13 Bespoke Opportunities

Roll up, roll up... only 26 places left to fill on the work placement opportunity. What do you mean you don't want to be motor mechanics? It's a job right?

15th December 2018/by Stephanie

11 of 13 ‘Real World’ Interventions

I don't need two years of key working just because I'm homeless. All I need is to be able to get my fork lift licence so I can get a job and move out with my partner and new baby

16th December 2018/by Stephanie

12 of 13 Individual Control

Yeah, we're a great community at my hostel. I'm perfectly safe here (as long as I hand over my money to my roommate and don't let anyone else know)

17th December 2018/by Stephanie

13 of 13 Meaningful engagement

Meeting in a stuffy office to talk about how crap my life is just isn't engaging. Fancy grabbing a coffee and talking about last night's game like everyone else?

18th December 2018/by Stephanie