It was a riveting afternoon. The performance Glasshouse by Kate Tempest 'speaks of family in the fractured modern world we live in, with the pressures of economics and expectations constantly bearing down on us...' It's a powerful insight into people struggling to make the best of their lives, despite their own circumstances, reactions and choices, and despite the obstacles placed in their way by society. The harsh realities of family and relational breakdown, substance abuse, unemployment, homelessness, and teenage pregnancy were all touched on, combined with as-yet-unrealised hopes and dreams of a better life.

Just over an hour later, we stopped for tea and biscuits and informal conversation. We then voted which of the characters we'd most like to help - and the vote went in favour of Jess, an 18-year-old girl facing multiple issues. As scenes were re-enacted, members of the audience stopped the drama at critical points and took on the role of Jess themselves, exploring the outcome of different ways of reacting and behaving. The other characters responded brilliantly to each new scenario, helping us all to see that even in the most pressured situation, the downward spiral can be halted and reversed.

It may not have been easy watching; it may have challenged us all to think more deeply and empathise more fully; but it was profoundly hopeful and constructive - a very worthwhile aspect of our 'Left Out in the Cold' project.

Thanks to Fr John Cross and St Peter Apostle RC Church for hosting the performances free of charge and providing the refreshments. Thanks to Warwick District Council and the Fry Housing Trust, sponsors of this event. And thanks to Cardboard Citizens for including us in their schedule and bringing Glasshouse to Leamington.

There's another performance tonight (Friday 11 April) at 7.00pm; the production moves to The Curve, Leicester on 15 April. Take a look at www.cardboardcitizens.org.uk for more information.
 

This anonymous letter was given to Margaret, who has been co-organising the current programme of events about homelessness at All Saints' throughout March and April.  I think it speaks for itself...

"This homeless project is very good and needs to be done to open the eyes of people.  Royal Leamington Spa has got a bad homeless problem but the council is denying this because I think it is to do with the so-called wealth of Leamington Spa.  Money is not everything but human lives are, as homelessness can happen to anybody.  So please, good folks, if you are or have been coming to this venue, you must have an interest; let's get together and sort this problem out, because street people are good people and it is not their fault.

Thank you
From Street Person"

Find out more about the current project at All Saints' here.