People with lived experience of homelessness marched through Newcastle city centre on Saturday to urge an end to the "stigma" around the issue and to "treat people like human beings". The march, part of the See Me North project, went from Newcastle Civic Centre to the Alphabetti Theatre via Grey's Monument.
Project background
See Me North has been running from the Northumbria University School of Communities and Education for more than two years, with the aim of transforming health and care for people with experience of homelessness. This weekend's "stride of pride" was designed to change the way the issue is talked about, with the project team and participants sharing their message around the city centre.
Project leads Professor Monique Lhussier and Dr Chris Cooper spoke to ChronicleLive about the importance of the work. Prof Lhussier said: "We've been funded by the UKRI and it's a three-year research project worth about £4m. We are now in the last seven months." She added: "It's amazing. We have seen this make a real difference to individuals and their lives. It's been brilliant, has raised awareness about the reality of homelessness and has had so much impact."
Community engagement
The project has focused on "trauma-informed practice" and working towards a future without homelessness. Dr Cooper said: "We've been out in the community, working with the community. This project has been brilliant. We have been working with people with lived experience of homelessness since the get-go." He noted that around 10 workshops have been held, with two people with lived experience completing qualifications at the university's Coach Lane campus, and more currently going through the programme.
Two men involved in the programme, both residents with Tyne Housing, shared why projects like this matter. Karl Coverdale, 59, now living in Ouseburn, said: "Through past experience of homelessness, this is always something very close to my heart. Through that experience, I know it can be very traumatising and there's a sense of not being treated as human. I truly believe that in the 21st century, there shouldn't be any reason for anyone to be in that situation." He added: "I have always heard it said, and forgive the Americanism, but you're only ever two paychecks from finding yourself on the streets. This project has been essential - it's about treating people as human beings."
Iain Hickson, 50, from Byker, said: "This has been brilliant, it really has. It helps to change your mindset completely. I have learned so much, especially being involved in all of the research."
