Blog New Year 2017
I wrote my first ever blog in January 2016 and talked about the highs and lows of Christmas for young people who are homeless. My blog focussed on the generosity of people who have wanted to make a difference to people down on their luck. At the end of that blog I referred to the passing of David Bowie and how saddened I was by that as his music has been so influential in my life. But who knew that almost 12 months later we would be mourning the loss of numerous celebrities and musical icons including days ago, George Michael, of whom I have been a lifelong fan.
It’s this time of year when people naturally reflect and evaluate and make plans but death also does that. So it seems especially important to live the life we have. Live it well. I am reminded of quotes that state, “the person who died this morning had plans for this evening and next week and next month. Make the most of every minute you have.” I don’t want to dwell on death and being morbid but I will be entering this New Year with renewed vigour to be the best I can be personally and professionally.
I have two targets.
1) In 2014 I lost 2 stone. In 2016 I lost 2 stone. But it was the same two stone I lost in 2014 and gained again in 2015. Overall I am down 4 stone so that’s good but I have been going around in circles for so long now I want to keep going and lose another 2 stone and then maintain that.
2) In 2017/18 at Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme we had a fundraising target of almost £150,000. A very challenging task. In the last few months we have reduced that by almost a third in December with some successful bids and grant applications. This is an incredible achievement and has motivated me to continue and reach the full target.
In summary, professionally I need to gain (£££) one hundred thousand pounds and personally I need to lose 28/30 pounds (in weight) – life’s all about balance isn’t it. Despite the vast difference I will find each challenge equally as difficult.
December at work has been incredible. We have been overwhelmed with support. The ten tin challenge, our campaign with Bain Plumbing Services for food donations has yielded over 1000 tins which have been distributed across our services in hampers topped up with goodies, bread, chicken and chocolates for all 93 of our residents in this month.
We have been given food by numerous individuals and businesses including Nandos, Carrs Pasties, Greenalghs, Bolton Whites Hotel, Thorntons and many many more. We had 200 pairs of gloves collected and donated by Subway. There have been financial donations from donors and businesses alike. The young people have had gifts, meals and even more important than all that they have had our time; our attention. We have played board games, done art, played cards, pool, had endless cups of tea and cakes, cooked meals, watched films and the Queens speech. Our time and attention is as valuable as any bed, meal or material possessions we provide. The young people want to feel heard, valued and important. Not one young person is our scheme is here through choice. They are here because they have no choice, no alternative. 25% are care leavers and the others are simply not tolerated or wanted.
Christmas is the only time the managers allow me to manage the referrals so they can take time off; they leave me in charge. It’s always an eye opener and reminds me of the reasons why we are all here doing what we do. In the first day back after the bank holiday, 28th December I took 4 enquiries.
• 1 young man aged 18 thrown out on Christmas Eve because he argued against the 11pm curfew. Friends parents put him up for 3 nights over Christmas. Parents refused to see him Christmas Day.
• 1 young man also 18, thrown out on Boxing Day as he found out his girlfriend was pregnant and his parents were angry. We accommodated him immediately.
• 1 young man also 18, thrown out by a family member who said he had been disrespectful to them; also accommodated immediately.
• 1 young woman, 18, being discharged from hospital. Unable to return to her previous address because she had been assaulted there and was at risk.
This is not an unusual scenario for us, what’s unusual is they are all over 18. We often get referrals for 16 and 17 year olds too. But, what is sad is it is Christmas and something has happened in these families that have prompted them to decide their son/daughter/relative being homeless is an acceptable solution to the source of irritation. I cannot comment on whether that is the case, it is not for us to judge as we don’t have all the facts. I have a 27 year old daughter and many times I could have throttled her, but I am not sure anything she did or choices she made that I hated would warrant being homeless and at risk.
Similarly I have been an obstructive, argumentative and stubborn 16 year old. I pushed my Mum to her limits so I can things from both sides.
It is not easy.
However, they are safe and we can help them all. Thankfully. With the help of all our amazing staff, volunteers, funders, supporters and donors we can make a massive difference to people who need us.
On Christmas Eve I bumped in to an ex resident from 1998 in M&S. I was her support worker back then. We chatted about Christmas, her children, my granddaughter and then she asked “how would I get into the line of work you are in?” I asked her why, “do you fancy a change from what you are doing?” Her answer, “it’s time to give something back, I have been there and I keep thinking about what it would have been like if you had not helped me.”
Whether she ever works or volunteers for us or not is irrelevant (although it would be wonderful) but the fact she thought about it and remembers the impact we had, and are still having on her it made me smile from ear to ear all afternoon.
I hope that you have all had an amazing and safe Christmas. May 2017 bring you happiness and good health. Thanks for continuing to support us and watch this space for news of our 25th birthday celebrations which are coming up soon. Focus on the positives and keep smiling.
Maura
