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.

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.

John Jones from Ninian Park Road, 30 August 2011 at 16:39

People should not be judged on their previous behaviour. I truly believe in the concept of rehabilitation.

julie butler from bridgend, 30 August 2011 at 01:23

I think people are judged by there past even though the people judging them never know the truth of there circumstances.

Rachel from CBWP, 26 August 2011 at 15:33

I thought I was going to spend my whole life getting drunk and partying but now I have my own flat and confidence to achieve what I want to

Lee Philips from Gorwelion, 25 August 2011 at 15:24

When i come to the Wallich i was petrified as i didnt belive in myself and though i was going to mess this up

Melanie from Prestatyn, 15 August 2011 at 11:35

Without my support worker i wouldn't be where i am now my home is save new friends and a new job and in control of my money.

Marie-Anne from Newtown, 07 August 2011 at 16:34

I got here through Council referring me to Tawelan. Evrybody should have a fair chance and shouldn't be judged on past behaviours.

tracey storer from Sir Julian Hodge, 01 August 2011 at 16:30

I was forced to leave my house because of domestic violence and damage caused to my property by my ex made it impossible to live there...

Alicia from Llanelli, 28 July 2011 at 14:54

No one should ever be judged on thier past as no one has seen behind closed doors x

Helen&John from Borth, 23 July 2011 at 14:01

Private rental has lost us money through Bonds not being repaid, illegally and flats falling down and the landlord ignoring it.

Keith from St John's, Wrexham, 22 July 2011 at 12:10

I was married had a job and a house, due to a divorce I have none of these. The Wallich is helping me to cope with the changes in my life.

Michelle from Port Talbot, 22 July 2011 at 10:27

Following Domestic Abuse & a life where drink played a part, I'm really grateful that CBWP exist to offer accommodation & support to me

Sarah Solomon from Llanelli, 14 July 2011 at 16:32

Before moving here i had issues with drink and drugs, with the right support which i have, i have overcome these issues with great success.

Gordon from Cardiff Shoreline, 04 July 2011 at 12:13

I started in hostel, felt bad, mixing with wrong people. Got help, got flat, sorting myself out, staying away from others, feeling better.

We are committed to providing services for the most excluded members of our society. Many of the people we work with have multiple and complex problems which cause or perpetuate their homelessness often including offending behaviour, mental health and substance misuse issues, social exclusion, or a combination of these things.

The Wallich has recognised that in order to help vulnerable people break the cycle of homelessness we have to accept the people we help may have certain dependencies or difficult behaviours and seek to support them in addressing their issues without recourse to punishment or eviction.

We do not tell people how to live their lives; we give them the encouragement and support to be the best version of themselves that they can be.

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