HARP has many thousands of success stories and possibly 99.9%
of the people involved in these episodes simply get on with their
lives having been assisted by HARP into an independent lifestyle and
very few share their experience of Homelessness with others.
Becoming Homeless under any circumstance is not usually
something people want to discuss with others in wishing to put that
particular scenario behind them, so maybe this is why so little is
widely known about the tragic ramifications that are placed upon an
individual whose life has spiralled out of control as they hit rock
bottom and become Homeless.
HARP reaches out to the community to create an awareness of
the Homelessness issues that exist within our region and people are
generally surprised, shocked and sympathetic on being informed of
this social dilemma in their own town.
HARP has proved that by giving regular talks to various
organisations, including Churches and Schools, that we do receive
solid regular support of which we are continually extremely grateful
for.
We know that our presentations really do have an impact by
telling the real story of tragic situations people endure that lead
to Homelessness, but the most impactive reactions are always
received when a former service user explains their own personal
first hand experiences.
It takes a very brave person to admit they have a problem. It
take a braver person to seek help in addressing that problem.
However, it takes an even braver person to stand up in front of a
room full of strangers and talk about the most personal and moving
darker moments of their life experiences.
Our colleague Mike Relton talks about his own particular
journey in the following short video clip that was filmed at the
Essex Community Foundation’s Annual Presentation Evening in May 2011
hosted by Lord Petre, the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, at Ingatestone
Hall.
