‘I’ve never felt like this before’ - City event helps homeless to feel valued and cared for

Stpehen Burns, who is homeless in Norwich, took dvantage of a day where he could be made to feel special. Photo: Archant (Image: Archant)

Those are just three of the ways those living on the streets in Norwich can feel.

So for World Mental Health Day and World Homelessness Day those without a place to live in the city were looked after for the day and made to feel special.

Stephen Burns, 40, has been homeless for 21 years.

Originally from Belfast, Stephen came to Norwich around three months ago from Bath and he said more should be done for those living on the streets.

Stpehen Burns, who is homeless in Norwich, took dvantage of a day where he could be made to feel special. Photo: Archant (Image: Archant)

'I'm a nice fella, try to get on with my life the most I can, I try and get on with people even if they're rude to me,' he said.

But he said life on the street was hard - it could be lonely and did affect his mental health. So he welcomed projects like today's which he said left him feeling 'very pampered, very loved'.

Those who went along to the event - which was organised by 12th Man, Under 1 Roof and St Martin's Housing Trust - were given a stamp card, which meant they could freshen up with a hot shower, before tucking into a croque monsieur or to fish and chips at Grosvenor Fish Bar,

High-quality secondhand clothes were available, as well as mindfulness, massage and advice. It was then possible to head to the Birdcage pub, where the 12th Man barbers would give free haircuts and beard trims.

The 12th Man barers. Nick Little, front left, and Oz Osborne, front right, who have started the project The Twelfth Man, with help from barbers Steve Bunn, front 2nd right, and Mike Nicholson, front 2nd left, co -owners of Croppers, with other barbers, in a barbers collective in Norwich to be trained as mental health first aiders. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Oz Osborne, director of the Outsiders who run 12th man, said they wanted to take the positive values of the 12th man, a label often given to football crowds which lifts the players, and pass that onto those in a position to help others and help men talk more openly about mental health.

As part of that, a collective of city barbers trained to spot the signs of mental health problems among customers.Oz said: 'It's about people feeling valued, a bit pampered, and cared for, whilst talking about mental health too.'

Stephen added: 'I'd like to try and maybe change other people's minds about homelessness. I think we're left to our own defences sometimes out there and not a lot of people give us the time of day. I think it's unfair. I wish there was more days like this. I've never really felt like this before.'

Stephen was just one of dozens to attend today's event, which was not only for the homeless but also for those who may be vulnerable or at risk of homelessness.

Stpehen Burns, who is homeless in Norwich, took dvantage of a day where he could be made to feel special. Photo: Archant (Image: Archant)