Colin McDougall has recently completed a Diploma in Applied Buddhist Psychology. His experience is one that illustrates the flexibility of the Amida Training Programme and its ability to respond to the particular needs of students.
Colin joined the Psychotherapy Training Programme in 1995. Initially he hoped to work as a counsellor, but after some initial training, he decided that one to one work was not for him. He wished to maintain his interest in Buddhist Psychology, but did not want to take on the client work that training would involve. After discussion with course staff it energed that his real interest was in community work, so at this point a new training contract was negotiated. This involved completing the training hours and Distance Learning Programme in Buddhist Psychology (which he had already started) whilst developing a practicum in community work with the assistance of course staff.
The Practicum went through a number of phases. Firstly we worked together to develop a series of street walking exercises, which were designed to develop awareness and to raise consciousness of different groups in the community. The framework of these was grounded in a meditative process, sometimes using metta meditation as a precursor to going out walking. The next phase involved intensive networking in an area. Visits to community projects and other social centres helped to demonstrate the variety of facilities within a community and give opportunities to meet and learn from community workers. As a result of these two areas of activity, Colin developed an interest in work with the homeless. He began to focus his street walking and his networking visits in this area and to build up experience through involvement in a number of voluntary activities with homeless people.
The following report was Colin's final piece of work on the course. Since it was written, Colin has continued his work in this area and is currently applying for work with some of the projects he visited as a student. We wish him well and look forward to his involvement in future Amida work in this area.
Colin McDougall
The purpose of this research, which began 17.10.2000, initially was to determine if there were any men's 'support groups' within the local area of Tyneside. Initial planning and research found me visiting local community centres and church organised projects. Those projects that I visited are listed at the end of this report.
During this period of research I soon had my initial doubts and expectations realized Although there was some effort within the community to encourage men only support or group meetings, overall this had proved to be very difficult.
This was exemplified when I visited St Chad's. At St Chad's I learnt from Debbie, a project worker that they were trying to encourage the male members of the local community in the Saltwell district of Gateshead to use their facility, for educational and social activities. However, this had proven to be 'very' difficult. This was mainly due to the cultural beliefs and expectations among the young men who lived in the local community. After further research it was found that the young men were more likely to meet at the pub, or club than want to be part of a men only support group that would encourage 'open group discussion' about the role of the male in the millennium?
This realization led me to question more deeply my own Geordie culture. While walking around the streets on Tyneside visiting the various projects I had became increasingly aware of the sight of 'mainly young' men who were sitting begging on the streets this despite my previous visits to housing or homeless projects, where at that particular time I did not see the full extent of the problems that I was about to witness
I could not help but feel saddened by the sight of these young men who sat on the pavement in all weathers begging for money. Witnessing this sight, I felt that I needed to research further and to find out more to the reasons what had brought these young men to their current life position. Above all, the main question that I needed to have answered was, just what happened to these young men when the rest of us closed our doors and went to bed for the night? A report by Shelter, 1997, gave an estimate that in England; outside London 2,000 sleep rough each night and 10,000 people drift in and out of rough sleeping over the course of a year.
To attempt to answer this and other questions I then began to 'carefully' approach some of those young men on the street. Once I had embarked on this journey a whole new world seemed to open up me. My cultural values, beliefs, and expectations were been, and continue to be, challenged, questioned, and in some cases torn apart.
Is the Buddha in the Street?
Please note. To protect their identity I have changed the names of those young men who I refer to throughout this report
During this part of my research I began to encounter some of those young men on the streets. In the main I made contact with seven, mostly local men, apart from two, one young man who said that he was from South Africa, and the other from Derbyshire. Because of the transient nature of those on the street it was difficult to maintain contact on a regular bases with those who I met. This also applied to the Big Issue sellers who, four in total, I had made contact with. However, I was fortunate enough to have been able to build a relationship during this period with two of those young men. Rob and Dave.
I first met Rob on 2 February 2001, and Dave on 7.March.2001. Dave, like many others who are seen as 'homeless' has been in the custody of H.M. Prisons during his life, he also has a drug addiction. When talking with him I was immediately 'struck' by the huge difficulties and problems that he was encountering. The cold nights that he had spent in a doorway, or in some secluded area causing him the most difficulty.
I also found through my regular contact with Rob, that the young men had similar problems. Rob also told me how he feared his nights spent on the streets. The threat of physical violence was a 'major' problem and always a possibility. Given my regular contact with Rob, this proved to be the case as he often had 'bruising' and deep 'cuts' to his face.
Despite the input of the various support agencies and a net work of friends with similar problems, overall, I found that sadly, regular contact with loved ones and family had almost been lost to both men. The main conclusion, which I arrived at, was, that despite those services, which are available to both men and others in a similar situation, what was most needed was to be able to have the opportunity to have a roof over their heads. Given this opportunity, as both men stated, would perhaps provide the foundations to start a new life? With this knowledge I then began to inquire to what type of accommodation might be available to those who have similar difficulties to Rob and Dave. This with the understanding that both men had previously resided in council housing and also had during their time on the streets had sort shelter in hostel accommodation and also used the various projects within the local area that are dedicated to providing free meals to those who require them. Which overall, this had been a negative experience for both men? This as they had said, was mainly due to behaviour of the hostel residents, which was said to have been disruptive, and at times violent.
Searching for The Buddha on the Streets
During this research period I visited eight of the hostels, which according to local authority figures have room for up to 850 people, within the local area, those which are on Tyneside are listed on page 8 'Nationally there are nearly 1,900 hostels, containing around 27,000 beds being provided or used by local authority housing departments in England'. (Homeless Link, March 2002) Clearly I did not have a clear picture of what to expect when commencing this area of my research. However, what I did discover very quickly was that the hostel accommodation varied greatly. Not only in terms of who might be using a particular hostel but also it varied in the quality of management, furnishings and the overall environment.
I will now give as a brief insight into two of the projects that I visited. Given that I have recorded this area of research elsewhere in more depth I will therefore only give an over view. In the pursuit of balance I will first give a brief insight into the Westmoreland Men's Hostel and then The Tyneside Foyer
The Westmoreland Hostel, which is situated in the west end of the city, has been an established men's hostel for many years. It was the first hostel in the city. It is predominately used by the more senior men who have mainly alcohol related problems and issues arising from their addiction. During my brief visit and interview with the project manager, it was not possible to acquire detailed information about the running of the hostel. However, talking with Joe, a resident, he told me that he paid £5 per day for bed and breakfast. Residents mainly used their benefits payments to pay for their accommodation. My visit to the hostel left me feeling cold and uninspired. To be concise, the overall environment resembles a scene that would not be out of place in a Dickens novel.
However, a number of the residents had been living there for some time and in their own way had made use of the sparse and depressing environment. For example, Jim, a local a man in his late forties, who despite his complaints about his accommodation, had resided at the hostel for seven years.
Obviously the hostel environment is not somewhere that most people would want to stay too long, however, I did feel that at the very least there is a sense of camaraderie among some of the residents.
The Tyneside Foyer.
This particular project is also situated in the west end of the city. It provides accommodation and training It has space for 60 young people who are aged 16-25 yrs who have for various reasons have left home. A report by Homeless Link, in 1995, gave an estimate of 246,000 homeless people between the ages of 16- 25
Despite the obvious pressures the Foyer is a clean modern environment, this giving it a more pleasing ambience. Overall the Tyneside Foyer is managed with a greater degree of professionalism.
However, when comparing The Foyer with the Westmoreland Hostel, what I did conclude, was that despite their obvious differences, was that the two projects felt highly rigid, stressful, and also highly institutionalised?
Having reached this juncture of my research what I felt that I needed to do next was to look further a field. This would hopefully give me an insight into the homeless situation beyond the boundaries of Tyneside. This took me to Leeds.
Homelessness in Leeds
During my visit to Leeds I was both saddened and appalled by witnessing the sight of so many young homeless people walking the streets of the city centre. Without knowing at that time the full extent of the homeless situation in Leeds, on first evidence the number of young people begging on the street appeared to exceed that of Tyneside.
During my time spent in the city of Leeds I was able to form a brief relationship with two Big Issue sellers. Tony and Paul, who were able to give me a brief insight into the reasons why they thought why so many young people were walking around the streets of Leeds begging, Both men agreed that the main reason for this problem was largely drug related. With this information, I then felt it necessary to visit one of the city's projects, which provide information, and support to drug users.
'St Anne's Drug Project'.
St Anne's is a project that offers counselling, education, and home visits. The project also offers a needle exchange service During my brief interview with Val, a project worker) when referring to a report 'The Leeds Youth Action Plan', by Stoneham Housing Association, she told me that out of approx 96, 000 16-25year olds, 3,920 had experienced homelessness within the location. This given evidence to the monumental problems and suffering that is happening on the streets of Leeds on a daily bases.
Homelessness in York
Due to the cultural similarities between Newcastle and Leeds my next area of research took me to another northern city, York. My main intentions here were to ascertain if a seemingly more affluent area such as York had similar scenes to that of Newcastle and Leeds of people begging on the street.
During my time in York I was able to make contact with three young men. One of the young men, Malcolm, who was sitting in a doorway, begging beside the Minster. The other two young men were selling Big Issues in the city centre. Terry and Paul. After my brief conversations, with the three young men, I was able to find out that they all had lived in Leeds? Terry told me that he had decided to come to York to sell his Big Issue magazines because there was 'less competition' in the city.
During my visit to York, I visited the Ark men's hostel. Unfortunately, it was closed when I arrived. Before I left the city it was evident that more young people were coming on to the streets begging. This was particularly noticeable around the rail and bus stations. However, what I did realize was that those begging on the streets of York were in the main from the Leeds and the surrounding area. Overall the problem of youth homelessness and its related issues is more acute than it is on Tyneside.
Seeing the Buddha's Eyes.
Having come this far my next step was to assign myself to a project for the homeless on Tyneside. My intensions here were to help me to extend my knowledge, and to find out how a project for the homeless was managed.
On the 10.02.02 I became a volunteer to The Alison Centre (Soup Kitchen) The most surprising aspect to the kitchen for me has been the abundance of food, clothes, blankets and personal care products that are available for the customers. These provisions being donated from private sources, local churches, and high street shops. All the kitchen workers are volunteers. The committee members are called 'key holders' The overall philosophy of the kitchen is to provide friendship
On an average night approximately 100 customers use the kitchen, the kitchen is open three evenings per week, there are more details on page 8 Since I began my work at the kitchen I have seen a rise in the numbers of younger people (16-25) age group using the facility. Those younger people who use the kitchen have mostly drug related problems. However, the majority of the customers are older men and women, who have alcohol addictions. A number of the older customers live in hostel accommodation, or live in the more socially deprived areas of Tyneside As well as the regular customers on occasion people will use the kitchen while travelling through the locality. The kitchen also hosts, on occasion, supported by the St Franciscan nuns, groups of refugees. Which, is not too often, as sadly, the regular customers tend to complain.
On an average night there is a steady request for food bags, containing bread, pies cakes and clothes, personal care products, and blankets. The kitchen also stocks crockery and cutlery and other domestic items.
Clearly the kitchen is more than a valuable resource. In Newcastle it is possible to "eat free" seven days a week at the various projects that are scattered around the local area. The view held among managers of the various projects that I visited, is that there is enough support for the homeless here on Tyneside. Of course, this does not mask the suffering and difficulties of those who are seen as homeless encounter on a daily basis.
In general, and given to my own research I would tend to agree. However, what seems to be lacking is emergency accommodation, mainly for the 16-25 yr age group, which in conjunction with other agencies, The Social Inclusion Unit (S.I.U.) are trying to address. Overall, the general trend seems to be is to provide ongoing out reach support. This as Bob Finch, project manager, Shelter, Newcastle, said was the direction that his organisation were taking It is hoped that by supporting people in their own homes this might halt the cycle that sees a person being given a home by the local authority and because of the various problems that they might encounter, eventually loose their tenancy, thus once again, ending up back on the street.
Forward with the Buddha.
Given my research and those findings I would tend to agree that outreach and home support could be a way forward. However, this is not to deny that there is still a need for emergency accommodation, not only for the16-25yrs age group, but also across the whole spectrum. This when according to Government figures there are 762,700 empty homes in England. 'Homeless Link' 2002).
Clearly to provide such emergency accommodation even on a small scale requires full time commitment and on going financial support.
So what can be done? Given my research and despite the support that is available to those who are seen as homeless, nevertheless a large number of these people tend to get lost within the system. Thus, becoming isolated and at times forgot by society which in general tries to ignore or forget about the person who is begging on the street or sitting 'alone' in a day centre, or in 'their' own home. My research has found, that what most people wanted was to have someone to simply listen without having to be judged because of their current or past life situation. For someone to be there.
Before I began this research my intentions were to be able to be in touch and engage with those people who are on the street. At this time of completing this report this continues to be my intention. Despite the challenges this journey has brought and the suffering that I have, and continue to witness it has provided me with the opportunity to share in the sadness, heartache, and even the humour that is evident when people find themselves on the fringe of society. Those who find themselves locked in a cycle of Greed Hate and Delusion. Given this wealth of human richness what I would like to do is to develop, along with my current street work, is a home support, or a befriending service - 'Searching for Buddha in the Street Project'. Although clearly this presents a major challenge, however, I do feel that given my research and the network of people that I have engaged with, that this could be feasible.
Along with helping others this would give me the opportunity to continue to apply those Buddhist teachings, ethics, values, and skills that I have been taught, since I began this journey with the Amida Trust.
Foot Note.
Just before finalising this report it has been reported that there was a fire at The Westmoreland Men's Hostel. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured? The eight men have been given accommodation elsewhere in the city. It has been said that they are sleeping on a floor until somewhere suitable can be found. It also has been reported that the Hostel did not have smoke alarms fitted.
Appendix: projects & hostels visited:
5.11.00
Byker Bridge Housing Project. 8, Wilfred Street, Byker, Newcastle. 265 8621
A Primary Health and Social Care Resource For People who are Homeless. Monday –Friday, 9.30am-3.00pm.
22.12.00.
Alison Centre (Peoples Kitchen) 56 Bath Lane, Newcastle. 222 0699
Provides, friendship, free meals, clothes and blankets. Opening times. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 6.30pm – 9.00pm.Thursday. 2.00pm-7.00pm. Monday, from 9 00pm (Dean Street under the Railway Bridge. Sunday, Eldon Square, 9.00am - 10.00am. Summer hill Park from 10.10am –11.00am.
9.1.01.
Men's Refuge. Westmoreland Rd, Newcastle.
Hostel; for single homeless men. Provides Bed and Breakfast.
9.1.01.
Cyrenians. (Ron Edgar House) 214, Westgate Rd. Newcastle. Tele' 232 5699.
The Centre is open to people over the age of 18yrs.It is a resource centre that provides information about housing related and benefit issues. Also it provides information on, Medical, Drug and Alcohol issues. The centre has also washing and Laundry Facilities.
21.1.01.
T.U.C. Centre Against Unemployment.4 Cloth Market. Newcastle. Tele' 232 4606.
Aims/ Objectives; to service the unemployed in benefits, support, provide educational facility, campaign against unemployment.
27.3.01.
Men's Refuge. Westmoreland Rd. Newcastle. (As above)
1.6.01.
Big Issue. 18, Seville Row. Newcastle.
3.7.01.
Northumbria Police. Northumberland Street. Newcastle.
18.9.01.
Nightstop. 18. Seville Row. Newcastle. Tele.' 261 8881.
Provides safe accommodation for vulnerable homeless young people in the home of a volunteer hosts, one night at a time.
1.11.01.
Nightspot. (As above)
13.11.01.
Battle hill Community Centre. North Tyneside.
13.12.01.
Battle hill Community Centre.
16.4.02.
George Square. Access Unit for single men. North Tyneside.
North Tyneside's Council's direct access unit for single men, based in North Shields. It comprises of 21 self contained furnished flats offering short-term accommodation.
17.4.02.
Streetwise. 35-37 Groat Market. Newcastle. Tele' 2305400.
Offers free confidential advice, short or long term support and counselling for young people aged 13-25yrs.This includes help with housing, drug and alcohol misuse problems. Contraception and sexual health issues as well as advice and assistance on benefits, work and study support.
Tyneside Foyer. Westgate Rd. Newcastle.Tele' 260 6100
The foyer provides accommodation, for people who are aged 16-25yr training, help with basic skills, career guidance, job search and links with employment. The Foyer provides space for 60 residents in 'cluster flats' of 4-5 tenants. It provides tenancies for a maximum of 2yrs.
2.10.02.
St Anne's. Drug Project. 66 York St' Leeds.
Big Issue Office. Leeds.
24.4.02.
Salvation Army. (Men's Hostel) 39 City Rd, Newcastle, NE1 2BR Tele' 261 0961.
Has 66 rooms and provides support services for men over the age 18yrs.
30.4.02.
Streetwise. (As above)
23.5.02.
Alison Centre (Soup Kitchen) (As above).
14.11.02.
Cyreans. (Ron Edgar House)
26.4.03.
St Dominic's, Backfire's Day Centre. Byker. Newcastle,.Tele' 261 6027.
Offers accommodation, free meals, training, and community projects.
1.4.03.
Shelter, .North East. Housing Aid Centre. 1-2. Blackfrier's Court. Dispensary Lane, Newcastle. Tele' 232 3778.