Under One Sky empowered us as volunteers to make this film. It was through their active engagement with people on the streets that formed the main themes of our film – The power of connection, the importance of listening, the value in self-determination and the positive results created by a sense of community. Our partnership with Under One Sky continues as they strive towards a more enlightened society and an end to homelessness.
The Punjab Covent Garden
Guided by nishkam or selfless server, Amrit Maan and his team at The Punjab Covent Garden provided over 175,000 meals to people on the streets during the Pandemic. They also supplied Under One Sky with a base to operate from. For his services to the community Amrit received an OBE in 2022. The Punjab/Under One Sky partnership continues with Amrit supplying meals and a base for weekend teams of Under One Sky volunteers. Amrit also continues to provide support to other charities, foodbanks and the armed forces. We will be forever grateful for the generosity of our great friends at The Punjab.
Dignifi – Trauma Informed Practice is an initiative that promotes and provides trauma informed care for individuals. CEO Julia Pennington works closely with ex-offenders and young people who have suffered abuse. During the making of our film Julia provided expert advice on trauma and mental health. Trauma is a major reason why people become homeless. When a safe place to call home is lost, people struggle to cope. Fear, isolation, loneliness, a sense of worthlessness and shame are all part of the reality for people on the streets. As you will see in our film, Homelessness is not a lifestyle choice.
‘Emmaus supports people who’ve experienced homelessness by providing a home, meaningful work, training opportunities, and a sense of belonging within one of 29 communities across the UK. Their mission is to empower people affected by homelessness and poverty to change their lives for the better, and to provide a voice for social change. During the making of our film Emmaus provided sanctuary for a number of people including Chris (Pops) Robinson whose story is revealed in the film. Chris is still with Emmaus today.
I’M STILL HERE is proud to be an official affiliate member of The Wisdom of Trauma film featuring Dr Gabor Mate.
We fully support the idea of a trauma-informed society. It is so important that the number one reason for homelessness is better understood.
Dr. Gabor Maté has said, “Trauma is not what happens to you. Trauma is what happens inside you, as a result of what happens to you. Many of the things people consider to be abnormal in society such as chronic illness, the mental health crisis, addiction and abuse are really just normal responses to a culture that drives its people into dysfunction and suffering”. But Dr. Maté gives us a new vision: a trauma-informed society in which parents, teachers, physicians, and policy-makers are not concerned with fixing behaviours and judging, but seek instead to understand the sources from which troubling behaviours and diseases arise.
The film has been shown in prisons, hospitals, universities, churches, schools, hospices, and communities worldwide and has been translated into twenty-four different languages.
Follow the links above to register and watch The Wisdom of Trauma Movie. To watch the film, you can either make a small donation or upgrade to The Wisdom of Trauma All-Access Pass which includes 70+ hours of additional material and an Extended Talk Series.
The Connection at St Martin-in-the-Field is the largest provider of support, advice, and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness in Central London. In I’M STILL HERE, CEO Pam Orchard gives invaluable insights into homelessness and the lessons learned during the pandemic. Our film also features The Bridge Project which built on St Martin’s experience in housing people in hotels during the crisis.
I’M STILL HERE Is happy to partner with CRISIS as the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. Crisis helps people directly out of homelessness and campaigns for the changes needed to solve it altogether. They provide resources and a wide range of practical information.
Homeless link are the national membership charity for organisations working directly with people who have become homeless in England. They provide information for individuals and organisations through their knowledge hub. They also run a homelessness services directory, enabling people to find local day centres that can offer advice as well as facilities such as showers, food, internet access and much more.
A safe home is the foundation on which our lives are built. It opens the door to employment, health, education, and is the basis of strong communities. Millions of people in Britain are denied the right to a safe home. Shelter exists to defend that right.
SHELTER OPERATE A FREE HELPLINE WHICH IS: 0808 800 4444
Members of the public can call Shelter if they have nowhere to stay tonight, are worried about losing their home in the next two months, or are at risk of harm or abuse
Join Shelter in their fight for housing justice here: Campaigns
The Centre for Homelessness Impact is a leading research and policy organization focused on ending homelessness. They work collaboratively with governments, non-profits, and communities to develop evidence-based solutions and innovative approaches to prevent and alleviate homelessness.
During the making of our film the team at CHI helped with our research into many aspects of Homelessness particularly around housing, mental health and evidence-based research. We continue to support and work with the team at CHI. We share a vision to listen to and champion the input of people with lived experience. We also support the work they do in identifying what works and their search for evidence based solutions.