I visited a drop-in homeless shelter

As the number of rough sleepers in the North-East rises, the streets of Newcastle are scattered with sleeping bags and homeless people. Journalism student, Megan Jaram, spoke with Kevin Wagott, a member of one of the multiple exclusion teams at Changing Lives homeless shelter, to find out more on the matter. 

 

As I walk into the drop-in centre, feeling vulnerable and desperate to escape the chilling temperatures of Newcastle, I am hit with an instant warmth. Yes, from the heating inside of the building, but mostly from the jovial atmosphere that the place exudes. There is staff putting food in ovens with people united at tables talking and comforting others. It is not what I expect. Everyone in here has a different story and there is no sense of superiority, everybody is treated as equal. This a place where homeless people can have access to food and showers at any time of the day. 

The one thing that has surprised me is that I don’t feel misery. Though it is a sad example of the unfortunate society we live in, there is an affable atmosphere with happy faces and not a single person out of place.

`Simplicity was at the forefront of its décor. People often rationalise homeless centres as being places filled with luxury, masses of food and warm showers. Indeed, it has warm showers. But, there seems to be a limited amount of resources. Only just enough to get by on. It was at this point that I felt an immense amount of shame and embarrassment over the comparative luxury that I am so used to living in. 

There are only two bathrooms and two showers. There may not even be shampoo, only a bar of soap. But, for those who are used to nothing, it is definitely more than enough.

“Please eat another slice, it’s good for you.” A volunteer said, trying to encourage a man, who insisted he had eaten enough to have more.

As I sat down with Kevin Wagott, he flickered through his phone to mute the endless messages and emails he had received, switching his attention directly onto me. The first thing I notice is his composure and patience, a clear trait that he has gained through his job. 

Kevin wants to make a difference.

“Yes, it can be completely draining and tiring at times, but it’s 100% worth it. The chance of being able to change and transform an individual’s life gives me the most immense satisfaction in life. I don’t know where some people would be right now if it wasn’t for our help. Knowing that I have made that difference helps me sleep at night.”

It’s 6:00 am on a Monday, Kevin has already been awake an hour and is getting ready to head out onto the streets of Newcastle. He is with a team of four others. The temperature is -2 degrees and it is still dark outside. Kevin’s day is just beginning. 

He carries a rucksack full of sandwiches, energy drinks and blankets. Maybe even dog food for those with pets, and sanitary items for women. Though, he tells me there are significantly more homeless men than women.

The first place he targets is the city centre. This is where the rough sleepers, many with drinking problems, are dispersed. 

“Have you got any spare change, mate?”

The common passer-by undergoes the same routine with only a few seconds to make a decision. It is easy to avoid eye contact and carry on, but hard to remain stubborn after they lock your eyes with mercy.  

Do I? It’ll be a good deed of the day, it’ll do them good. Or am I funding their unhealthy lifestyle? 

Except Kevin doesn’t offer any money. It will most likely do them more harm than good, he says. The temptation of indulging in drugs and alcohol remains a high risk.

This is where Kevin steps in.

He said: “Have you heard of Changing Lives? It’s a charity which provides specialist support for thousands of vulnerable people and their families” a line which Kevin has rehearsed before.

The team offer drinks and food, making them aware of what is available for them with the charity. Many will acknowledge the help and take their advice. But, few will approach the charity and seek help afterwards.

Kevin said: “They don’t always react how we’d like them to. But, it’s expected. It’s probably really frightening for them to be taken from the comfort of the lifestyle they are living now. The future is a scary place. All we have to do is make them aware of the life they could be living and show them that it doesn’t always have to be like this.”

What may seem like an inevitable relapse approaching, the team work hard to offer as much support as possible, ensuring people do not continue to return to the streets. The first step is helping to make healthy lifestyle changes for those who have been used to destructive tendencies. 

They are given help through supported accommodation at which they can stay between a few weeks to two years. To help get them into work they are given employment support and assistance to give them an opportunity for a career.

A lot of the people that the team approach often struggle with a lot of aspects in their life, including social skills, addiction and mental health. 

It takes the team a lot of time working with them to adjust their mindset on life. Many are reluctant to accept help because they have been failed by the system in the past. The idea of an unknown future is a daunting concept.

Changing Lives has helped to change an extensive amount of people’s lives, helping many rough sleepers get into working jobs and treating addictions. Without the charity’s intervention, this may have not been possible.




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