Ben, speaking from the heart…
On Monday, I went with Norwich Pit Stop member, Ben, to the University of East Anglia. Along with another speaker, Colin, we had been invited to speak to thirty third year nursing degree apprentices about our experiences of homelessness and its health legacy. MensCraft is an Associate Partner with the university (one of the UEA Health & Social Care Partners) and offering male perspectives to their students feels like a really meaningful contribution to this partnership.
Whilst I am an old hand at public speaking and talking as an ‘expert by experience’ about – in my case – PTSD, complex trauma, episodic depression, recovery and personal growth, Ben, who is only twenty one, had no prior experience of anything like this. His experience of being homeless is much more recent and ‘raw’ than mine, but he really did, ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’. And he was amazing! Ben spoke eloquently, thoughtfully and from the heart. It was clear that he made a profound and positive impact on the students. Here are a few quotes from the feedback they shared about the session:
‘Thankyou for sharing your’ experiences and for being so open. Showing that there is always hope.’
‘Fantastic insight into the struggles you have faced.’
‘Ben, thank you for being courageous enough to share your’ story even though you are still going through it […]. Continue to do what you are doing! Take care.’
‘A privilege to hear your’ life stories. I will use what I have learnt in my practice daily. Thank you.’
‘1. Thankyou 2. You are Loved 3. You are bloody amazing!’
For our’ part, we welcome the opportunity to be genuinely heard and, hopefully, to contribute to future health services that are ‘people-shaped’. It is also very rewarding for us personally to be valued in this way and to turn some pain into something positive. Lastly, massive thanks to Sophie for the coffee and flap-jacks – these were greatly appreciated by us.
Colin Howey (MensCraft/Norwich Pit Stop Coordinator)
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