"It can seem like you have people around you on the streets during the day but at some point you're always left on your own with only your own thoughts. When you're suffering with depression in these time it is so much worse."
Valentine’s Day for the majority of people is a day of love and companionship. However, despite 61% of homeless service users classifying themselves as ‘lonely’, it is still easy to forget that valentine’s day can be an added reminder of just how lonely life can be.
In addition to impacting immune and cardiovascular functioning in long bouts, isolation and loneliness are feelings that no-one finds appealing. Sadly, the people Simon on the Streets support have often experienced acute loneliness throughout their life time, either from being in care, bereavement of a loved one or being in violent and abusive relationships. Life on the streets, without the emotional support network of family, friends and loved ones, leads the majority of rough sleepers to classify themselves as lonely.
“I feel like I’m slowly blending into it [the wall] because everyone just walks past me and ignores me. I feel totally left out and forgotten.”
That’s why, this valentine’s day we want to help the 77% of rough sleepers who still feel like they couldn’t call on a friend if they needed help. By donating just £10 today Simon on the Streets will be able to provide outreach assistance for one hour, providing a cup of tea, a friendly face and vital emotional support. Help us support them through a time of year when feelings of exclusion and loneliness are heightened.
The emotional support we provide, whether that be through the provision of care and empathy, listening and reflection, or giving encouragement and support, is vital to help them make the changes they need to make. This then enables them to make the transition from being a rough sleeper to living a more emotionally stable life.