140 Voices

140 Voices was updated daily by clients and residents of homeless charity, The Wallich, from 1st July 2011, and 'locked' to become our charity's Annual Review on the 31st August 2011. 100's of entries were narrowed down to 140 by a panel of staff and clients.
What you see here, now, is the result – 140 entries, 140 voices, 140 real life opinions about homelessness, by people who have actually experienced homelessness.

RSIT Client from Bridgend, 31 August 2011 at 14:13

I used to look down on people myself, I used to be a manager and I made a major mistake and became homeless. Everybody makes mistakes.

RSIT Client from Bridgend, 31 August 2011 at 14:13

Money - Easy come, easy go!

bronwyn from Newtown, 31 August 2011 at 14:13

home is a place that is warm and safe i have learnt living at the walich a home is more than that it is a place that pepole care about you

RSIT Client from Bridgend, 31 August 2011 at 14:17

I was street homeless, had no motivation but Helen made things different. Helen came every morning and told me about the solutions centre.

Sarah Solomon from Llanelli, 31 August 2011 at 14:08

My life has changed productively and positively through the wallich support. I am looking towards the future with happiness.

Lee from Newtown, 31 August 2011 at 13:50

When homeless I was cold, lonely and had nowhere to go. I am now waiting to move in to my own flat in the next week.

Lee from Newtown, 31 August 2011 at 13:51

Drug abuse has lost me properties, because I used them as a party place. I am now drug free and responsible.

Lee from Newtown, 31 August 2011 at 13:52

I want to stay drug free and challenge myself in education or employment.

RSIT Client from Bridgend, 31 August 2011 at 14:17

Helen and Sarah have done everything for me, I couldn’t cope without them. I am now in supported housing and they still support me.

The name 140 Voices is drawn from the Twitter phenomenon of using 140 characters or less to express an opinion, and from the idea of giving a voice to the voiceless.

We feel that people who have actually experienced homelessness are best placed to tell people how they feel, what they have achieved, how they have changed their lives, and hopefully, how The Wallich has helped them.

Our clients and residents were encouraged to contribute 140 character views and opinions on a variety of subjects.

The contributions were posted on this website, essentially 'building' it over the course of a 2 month countdown.

People were also able to upload photos.

The best 140 entries were chosen by a panel of staff and clients, and the 140 Voices website was complete.

This website will be The Wallich's Annual Report for 2010 – 2011. Financial information and messages from our Chief Executive can be found on the site.

Instead of sending a printed document to our supporters and stakeholders – we will send them a mouse mat advertising the project and the link to this website.

140 Voices aims to:
• Involve our residents and clients in a traditionally 'corporate' document

• Create something different and innovative and to be reflective of the views of homeless people

• Be cost effective and eco-conscious

* free mousemat available while stocks last | designed by ikon creative 2011 | Produced for Welsh homelessness charity The Wallich