Behind the scenes: Understanding the 'System' (feat. Prof Keith Brown)

Stories breath life into theory. On this TWO part episode, Kerri Douglas tells us her story with raw and sincere detail. Kerri eloquently traces her life from upbringing, through to life today. At each point she notes how her relationships have contributed to her situation - strongly illustrating how HUMAN CONNECTION is essential to understanding homelessness. Kerri brings to the conversation many topics already discussed on the UOS podcast such as: Trauma, Drug & Alcohol use, the Care System, the mother wound. Now Kerri is an advocate of structural change, speaking before parliament on two occasions, to ensure that many do not fall between cracks in the system. I hope you enjoy, let's get at it!

Stories breath life into theory. On this TWO part episode, Kerri Douglas tells us her story with raw and sincere detail. Kerri eloquently traces her life from upbringing, through to life today. At each point she notes how her relationships have contributed to her situation - strongly illustrating how HUMAN CONNECTION is essential to understanding homelessness. Kerri brings to the conversation many topics already discussed on the UOS podcast such as: Trauma, Drug & Alcohol use, the Care System, the mother wound. Now Kerri is an advocate of structural change, speaking before parliament on two occasions, to ensure that many do not fall between cracks in the system. I hope you enjoy, let's get at it!

"The system is failing". This quote is a common exclamation rooted in lived experience of many people. But what in particular is failing? What pressures are the 'System' under? Ultimately, what is the solution? Professor Keith Brown is an Emeritus Professor in social work, and founding director of the National Centre of Social work, as well as the Chair of NHS England Safeguarding network. Keith has dedicated his life to caring for the marginalised and vulnerable, initially starting his career as one of the UK's first Male nurses, before being convicted to do more. During this episode, we discuss the link between homelessness and the childcare system, as well as the complexity of mental health care. This episode is not concerned with the nitty gritty of 'policy', but rather a pragmatic and raw unpacking of a perceived 'failing system' Let's get at it! Social media: Instagram: DM us to come along on a walk! https://www.instagram.com/uosdurham/ https://www.instagram.com/underonesky_london/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnderOneSkyDurham https://www.facebook.com/Under1Sky Website: https://underoneskytogether.com/

So often as a society we relegate our conceptions of homelessness to a snapshot: To a man or woman sitting in a doorway, with a blanket and a cup, seeking donations. This is not the reality. In this episode, Ian Jipps talks about the time he spent on a sleep-out with his friend Brian, discussing how Brian is a man who loves to go to the Library and to the BFI Cinema. Importantly, Ian unpacks how he has a lot in common with Brian, referencing the similarity in their careers.  Also in this episode Ian talks about how he felt about volunteering for the first time, highlighting that the prospect of engaging with people dissimilar to him was at first daunting, but 2 years down the line he now takes his two daughters with him on walks.  This episode explores how we are more than the sum of our possessions and how friendship reveals our similarities as people.

Brian is a vivid storyteller. He has spent years listening and befriending those he serves living in a state of homelessness. Each person he meets, he makes a concerted effort to remember their name. In short Brian cares about the people he meets.  In this episode, Brian is open and honest about his rehab experience, and the way that it enables him to relate and understand personally to his homeless friends. This episode addresses a few of the common misconceptions many of us have, as Brian graciously unravels wrong understandings through clear and engaging stories of real people.  Let's get at it.  Follow us on Social media: Instagram: DM us to come along on a walk! https://www.instagram.com/uosdurham/ https://www.instagram.com/underonesky_london/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnderOneSkyDurham https://www.facebook.com/Under1Sky Website: https://underoneskytogether.com/

Homelessness must be viewed in the context of a long complex story. Indeed, for most people in a state of homelessness, trauma is the foundation to their story of homelessness.  This episode begins to explain why Trauma is a much bigger issue than most of us might think.  Julia Pennington founded Dignifi to help people recover from the numbing pain of trauma. She has experience working in the criminal justice system and in local authorities, dedicating her life to helping people.  Alongside the Dignifi team, Julia has created a step-by-step model to aid those afflicted by the affects of Trauma to facilitate recovery: Safety, Connection, Purpose.  This conversation is utterly eye-opening, as Julia and myself converse and unpack the depths to which trauma can affect anyone! It's an important starting point, as we delve into the realities of the struggles our homeless friends face.  I hope you enjoy, let's get at it!  Dignifi:  https://www.dignifi.co.uk/ Social media: Instagram: DM us to come along on a walk! https://www.instagram.com/uosdurham/ https://www.instagram.com/underonesky_london/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnderOneSkyDurham https://www.facebook.com/Under1Sky Website: https://underoneskytogether.com/

Welcome to the first Episode!  This week, we'll be hearing from Mikkel Juel Iversen who explains how a nice gesture at Christmas, exploded into a complex operation to support those in a state of homelessness during the Covid-19 Pandemic.  We'll hear about how his thinking has been challenged and changed through his interaction with friends he has made on the street through his work, as he has come to know the sustaining importance of human connection. Also, this week, Ross Plowman tells us how UOS has changed his view of 'homelessness', leading him and a couple friends to take the Under One Sky model up to Durham University, in the hope of spreading the mission of Under One Sky to other Universities.  It's an easy and great listen full of stories and astute reflections - a great introduction for this podcast that aimed at changing the narrative surrounding Homelessness. Let's get at it!  Follow us on Social media:  Instagram: DM us to come along on a walk!  https://www.instagram.com/uosdurham/  https://www.instagram.com/underonesky_london/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/UnderOneSkyDurham https://www.facebook.com/Under1Sky Website:  https://underoneskytogether.com/