Coronation Street Blog: Sue Devaney Interview Part 2: Love & Be Loved

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