Earlier
in the week actor Sue Devaney chatted with the media about going back into Coronation
Street and what we should expect from Debbie Webster’s latest return to the
cobbles. She’s back on screen next week and I for one can’t wait. You can read
that interview HERE.
Courtesy MEN
After
our Zoom chat I caught up with Sue to ask her a bit more about her homelessness
project and how she’s using her platform as a well-known television and stage actor to raise
awareness of one of the UK’s seemingly unfixable problems….homelessness. Whilst
on tour with Calendar Girls and sleeping in hotels regularly, Sue got to know
some of the local homeless on her journey, and she’s kept a sort of diary of some of
them on Instagram - it's called 'Tuck Me In On Tour'. I asked her more about the problem and her experiences on
tour:
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned when speaking to homeless people on tour?
The
biggest thing I‘ve learned, or come to understand in life is that this world
should not be about profit, power or money. It should be about people, basic
rights and needs and care and empathy But sadly, the more we progress
economically and technologically, the more we digress humanly. We are becoming
a nation of ‘turn the other cheek-my life’s alight Jack’... basically. If it’s
not happening on our doorstep then we turn a blind eye. I have learned that the
rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. There’s not a lot of
middle ground any more and there needs to be. We need free help for the
vulnerable and less fortunate people in society. Help that is government
funded. More addiction programmes, mental well-being centres, free education
for all children from all backgrounds. Opportunities and hope for homeless folk
to find housing, companionship and the support they need to change their lives
around for the better. Everybody has a story to tell. Everybody is somebody’s
son or daughter. Everybody deserves a chance in life.
Andy: One of Sue's moving posts
You
say addiction is the main problem when you speak to homeless people. Does the
homelessness lead to the addiction or vice versa?
I
have met many homeless people who struggle with addiction. However, some of
them take drugs just to cope with sleeping rough. Some of them never touched
drugs or alcohol until they were homeless. Does homelessness lead to addiction?
What comes first, the chicken or the egg? I think you would have to be a very
strong individual to sleep in the open air or in a hostel during our cold
winter months and not pick up an illegal substance to help you survive. I have
met people living on the streets who don’t do drugs though. But they are tough,
very tough.
How
can we do more to help?
We can do more as individuals by lending an ear, treating all people with respect. If you see someone struggling or homeless, stop and chat. Ask them about their life. Where they have come from. What their hopes and dreams for the future are. Treat them like a human being. Give them your time and respect and buy them a cake and a brew if they are hungry. Ask them where they are resting their head that night. Buy the big Issue. If you are fortunate to have your own company, but The New Issue which is £40.00 a month and all monies go to housing our homeless.
This
project is only part of the work you do to help communities. Are you hopeful
Covid will shine a light on ways we can all help each other out a bit more?
I
think, if we are mindful and brave, we can turn a horrible pandemic that is
Covid 19 into a new way of acting and being. A more selfless society where we
have more time for the needy and we can support one another and make time to
enjoy life. Life can be cruel and scary but with the right people leading the
way... it can be bright and hopeful and a gift.
Apart
from going back into Corrie (amazing) what other projects can you share with us?
My dream is to open a community
centre where homeless people and vulnerable people struggling with anxiety and
depression can come and do creative workshops. Singing, photography, art, drama
etc. There will be food all day, a piano in one corner and a library in the
other with a little stage area for budding performers. I would have confidence
building workshops, therapy sessions, yoga, meditation and much much more. A
safe place for people who want to find their tribe and explore themselves. Life
is about giving. Let’s give.
Far from a bum note: Sue & The Calendar Girls
For
now, I am loving being back on them there cobbles playing Debbie Webster. Once
I’ve finished my homeless project, I will be putting on an exhibition of all my
photographs and telling the fascinating stories of the homeless people I met on
tour. I am also releasing a single to help with my project and all money raised
will be going to my local homeless charities. I love my workshops I do for
people struggling with anxiety and depression too and I hope to continue
working with these courageous individuals for years to come. I love singing and
performing at every opportunity so I hope Covid buggers off so we can all get
theatrical again! Everybody needs art and creativity and joy in their lives to
bring a sense of belonging and connection. It’s all about love. It comes down
to basic needs.... which is to love and be loved.
You
can get a New Issue Magazine subscription HERE.
Tune in to Corrie next week for Debbie’s big return.
@StevieDawson
WASH
THOSE HANDS
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