From Millenial Dreams to being Homeless on the Streets of St Albans

Radio Verulam Outspoken

On this episode of Outspoken, Klaudia tells us how reality TV has skewed the aspirations of millennials. Livvy discovers that upon leaving university, she will have to save for more than 10 years to be able to afford a deposit on a 1 bedroom flat in St Albans, one of the most affluent cities in England.

‘Dave’, who was until recently living on the streets of St Albans, tells us some of the drivers which can lead to homelessness, what it feels like to have to ask for money to buy essential items such as food or a toothbrush, that many of our businesses in St Albans help the homeless and that every homeless person has a story.

Dave is now off the streets and working with members of the St Albans Helping the Homeless Facebook group to raise awareness about, and get much needed resource to, our city’s homeless community. Sian and Lynn, members of the group, tell us about their passion for helping the homeless, whether it’s sitting in the snow on the street talking, packing ruck sacks full of essential items, helping to get someone off the streets and how listeners can get involved. We also hear about the help being provided in St Albans by Pret a Manger, our local Barclays Bank and the Open Door, a resource for the homeless. https://www.hightownha.org.uk/care-and-support/scheme-search/open-door-homelessness-service/