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There were Christmas lights everywhere, there was excitement in the air but I felt invisible, like I was an alien observing something new I didn’t quite understand or have the human capacity to enjoy. I walked a bit more and caught my reflection in a mirror in a shop window. I had to look again. This time I studied my image. I didn’t know myself. I knew I was dirty - I could smell myself and I knew I had a beard and my hair was unkempt but I looked different. My eyes were sunken. My usual round, plumpish face was hollow. I had dents under my cheeks. I was starving but aware I needed to top-up to call my parents. I started to worry about what I’d do, I literally had one day’s money left. What was left for me? I feared this day - the day when I might have to beg. I headed back towards the park, I hated it there but on the few nights I’d slept near the bus station I felt vulnerable and I’d seen girls who looked like zombies nearby - I knew they were on hard drugs and I was terrified I’d ever be tempted, if only to get out of my own head for a couple of hours. As I was walking back I was approached by a man and woman in the shop as I bought a top-up voucher. They bought me a flapjack and tea from the machine and asked where I was from. I hadn’t had a caring interaction like this in months. I broke down. They were from a street homeless team in association with Camden Council. They encouraged me to ‘phone my sister and admit where I was. Ironically, she was only 19 miles away in Bromley but I’d continued the facade I was in Lyon. When my sister came for me I can’t remember saying a word to her that night. I woke up the next “There were Christmas lights everywhere, there was excitement in the air but I felt invisible...” morning - Christmas Day and she was sitting on my bed.“You’re going to be okay … it doesn’t seem that way but I promise, it will.” I found it really hard to believe her. But I wanted to desperately. Although this was a very sad time, I’ll never forget that Christmas. I think deep down I knew the only way was up - and when my parents cried on the ‘phone and said they couldn’t care less about the job, it’s me they love - I felt this overwhelming burden lifted from my shoulders. I had my family’s love. As my sister handed me a hot cup of tea, I wrapped my hands around it and smiled. I actually smiled. That was my perfect Christmas gift - the best one I’ve ever received. Remember, no matter how bad things are, there’s hope. Now that I’m in a better frame of mind I can see how ridiculous it was that I didn’t tell my parents or confide in a friend ..... remember, when you keep a problem bottled up, it magnifies. It looks worse than it is. My advice to anyone out there on the streets is, make that ‘phone call. Talk. If a street team want to get you help - take it. Don’t view your poor mental health as something to be ashamed of and certainly, never be embarrassed to tell a friend that you’re struggling. That might be a male thing but I really want anyone out there to know - you CAN get better - there IS a better life out there for you.” * Connor - not real name was diagnosed with Clinical Depression and Generalised Anxiety Disorder. After speaking with his employer & HR manager, Maggie was approached with the allegations of bullying (ironically another employee from the same office also came forward - with a detailed diary of abuse). Maggie handed in her notice. Connor worked part-time from home until he was well enough to return to work full-time just over a year later. 10
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Page 4 and 5: Wishing all a Happy Christmas and P
Page 8 and 9: Issues: Life Homeless at Christmas
Page 12 and 13: André Rieu “My Most Favourite Ti
Page 14 and 15: Simon Reeve: “Human beings are th
Page 16 and 17: who is in a dark place, they have t
Page 18 and 19: Home Alone - It's That Time of Year
Page 20 and 21: made up new child-friendly swear wo
Page 24 and 25: TEATIME c.1900, Glencar, Co. Leitri
Page 26 and 27: Ian Bailey In his own words: Part I
Page 28 and 29: would contain. What I read sent a d
Page 30 and 31: Facebook, Instagram and within a ve
Page 32 and 33: Fancy getting your hands on one of
Page 34 and 35: Issues: Historical Kate Tyrrell: Th
Page 36 and 37: Screen Scene Red Notice *** Starrin
Page 38 and 39: Irish Homeless Street Leagues (IHSL
Page 40 and 41: Issues: New Book Releases Patricia
Page 44 and 45: Jokes Because laughter is the best
Page 46: @ Is í ár dteanga féin í. It’

Ireland's big issue

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