An upcoming project by a Carrickfergus community group is aiming to examine the issues - and challenge some of the stereotypes - around homelessness.
Facilitated by Carrick Connect, the ‘Connect with the Homeless’ scheme will give participants an insight into the social and economic factors that can contribute to homelessness, as well as the work of groups such as Belfast Homeless Services.
The project began back in October 2023, initially as six programmes of seven weeks. After feedback from participants, it has now changed to four programmes of 10 weeks, said Carrick Connect's Tracey McNickle.
Facilitated by Carrick Connect, the ‘Connect with the Homeless’ scheme will give participants an insight into the social and economic factors that can contribute to homelessness, as well as the work of groups such as Belfast Homeless Services.
The project began back in October 2023, initially as six programmes of seven weeks. After feedback from participants, it has now changed to four programmes of 10 weeks, said Carrick Connect's Tracey McNickle.
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NewsTranscript
00:00 Good evening everyone. I'm really delighted to be able to pop on here tonight and tell you all about a new initiative that Cary Connect will be facilitating, which is going to be called Connect with the Homeless.
00:11 I have always wanted personally to be involved in the work of those helping or supporting homelessness, and to now be able to facilitate a group and get our community together on board is just going to be such an invaluable experience for us all.
00:27 So throughout the next year, I will be facilitating six groups. Each group will last seven weeks in total.
00:34 So in those seven weeks, we will learn so much about homelessness throughout discussion, practical insight, whilst volunteering in a homeless centre, and a better understanding and awareness to the issues surrounding homelessness.
00:48 So two of those weeks out of the seven will be hands on experience in Belfast Homeless Services.
00:54 You will experience different stations where tasks need to be carried out, such as the clothes store, where you distribute out clothes, the toilets, the kitchen front and back, the recreational area, the signing in book, and the manning outside of the premises.
01:09 So each member of our group will be accompanied with a long term volunteer of Belfast Homeless Services, who will be with them throughout their experience there.
01:19 Other weeks out of the seven will involve our introduction, a question and answer session with Liz Rox, who runs Belfast Homeless Services.
01:29 She is going to pop down to us and she will be able to answer any questions or talk about any concerns that we may have.
01:36 The other weeks we will be working on an evaluation and have a team building exercise, as well as tea and coffee and refreshments being provided on every evening.
01:47 We hope that through taking part in this seven week group, that our community will have a better insight to the issues surrounding homelessness.
01:57 So we're hoping that our community will learn the importance of volunteering, will understand the invaluable services of a homeless shelter, will develop empathy, understanding and compassion to those who are homeless.
02:10 We'll have more awareness around addiction, will be more aware that everyone has their own unique story and experiences.
02:19 That everyone will learn to be respectful when interacting with the homeless and to not make assumptions about their lives and to adhere to listen actively and be appropriate when engaging by asking them follow up questions.
02:34 So that's what we hope that our outcome will be throughout our seven weeks there.
02:40 So if you think you might be interested in taking part in this group, what you need to do is private message us with your name, address, your postcode, your email address and your mobile number.
02:51 The night is going to be a Tuesday evening and we will all have to be at Belfast Homeless Services for 6.30pm.
03:00 Carrick Connect will provide the transport for you all and arrange a collection point, but we must state that everyone needs to be at that collection point on time and be ready to leave promptly.
03:11 For you to be able to participate, you must commit to the full seven weeks.
03:15 So if you feel you can't do this, then please bear in mind that there will be others who can and we want this initiative to be fully effective and with 100% commitment.
03:25 You will be at the centre till 9pm and back in Carrick Fergus by 9.30pm.
03:31 Our first group is starting on Tuesday 17th October and will finish on Tuesday 5th December.
03:38 Our second group is starting on Tuesday 9th January and will finish on Tuesday 20th February.
03:45 And our next group will be on Tuesday 5th March and will finish on Tuesday 16th April.
03:52 And the remaining three groups after that, Liz and I will sort those out in the new year.
03:59 So each person taking part will also need to fill in a form and give photographic consent that they allow for the photograph to be taken for the project.
04:10 So please think carefully before you put yourself forward.
04:13 For each group, we can take seven people from our community with two Carrick Connect volunteers.
04:19 So in total, over the space of the six groups, 42 people over the year will have a more unique, informative insight into the issues surrounding homelessness and all the economic and social factors that can contribute to it.
04:35 So if you feel this is for you, then get in touch with us.
04:38 We will be mixing the age group.
04:40 This is not just for young people.
04:41 This will be 18 upwards with no age restraints.
04:45 So whether you're 18 or 98, you're very welcome to join us.
04:49 It will be first come, first serve, folks.
04:51 So think about it carefully, but please don't leave it too long or you may miss out.
04:56 I'm looking forward to hearing from you as we all try to take another step forward and to try to make a difference in whatever way we can.
05:03 Thank you.
05:04 Thank you.