Trials of a Sofa Surfer

Hello. Thanks for joining me for our latest podcast. In todays chair is Murray.

Murray has been, and currently still is at the time of the releasing of this podcast, residing at The ARCH since March 2019. Murray is a top bloke.

He's had a troubled few years and will be the first to admit he's probably been the cause of all of it, but today, through the help and support of many people, he is a changed man. His time in rehab and then The ARCH has helped shape him into a person who is strong, committed and willing to embrace what life might through at him, and with the help of his family and support network he hopes to find new ventures to seek and live a life of promise and reward.

Murray also has to take great credit for helping himself. It's easy for people who are not familiar with the life addicts find themselves in to dismiss it and put the blame back on those causing the trouble but to have the grit and determination to haul yourself from the bottom of the pile, when you are at your lowest ebb, takes some doing. 

I enjoyed my time with Murray and on behalf of the staff team here they want to thank him for being a model tenant and wish him all the best when he moves on.

I hope you enjoyed this episode. If so, please subscribe and listen to the previous 12 episodes, you'll not be disappointed. Also, get in touch by emailing us or messaging us on our social media sites and let us know who you are.

If you would like to sponsor the show or sponsor a flat in order we can help other homeless men, you can donate by going to https://www.scottishchristianalliance.org.uk and hitting that donate button. You can also donate at our Facebook page @TheARCHRS or contact us directly by email or  telephone. Please consider donating as we are a charity (SC021765) and are in need of funds to continue with the excellent work we do here. It is a privilege to work with so many brilliant characters; no two days are the same.

If you have any question or comment to make on this or any other episode or you just want to check us out, then please get in touch using our various social media outlets.

Email- [email protected]

Facebook- search 'The ARCH Resettlement Centre' 

Twitter- @ARCHThe or @SCAorg

Instagram- @scaarch36

Subscribe using www.scaarch.podbean.com

Thank you for reading and thank you for listening to the podcast, I look forward to hearing from you. 'Til next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Good day to you my friends, thanks for joining us. Welcome to episode 12. Scott McRury is in the house. 

It's the day after the hottest day of the year, so far! What a scorcher it was and what a scorcher this episode is. Before that though I just want to mention a bit about what we do as a charity and how we need your help. Please consider donating into the work we do here. Each tenancy supplied is a one bedroom flat with everything needed to succeed; kitchen with all mod cons, private shower room and living space. It's a peaceful and safe environment in which to thrive. We help people to live life, so, if you have a passion for helping those who are vulnerable and incapable of figuring a way out then we want to hear from you. No matter how big or small your contribution, we need to hear from you. 

Scott is a great guy. He is a kind, thoughtful and talented man who, after a difficult beginning, found his way and now contributes to society in an amazing way. Scott lived at The ARCH the year I started working there. Our paths crossed fleetingly but ever since he's kept in touch with what the charity has been doing through social media, hence the reason for coming onto to chat. It's not a long episode so you'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy listening to Scott.

I hope you enjoyed this episode. If so, please subscribe and listen to the previous 11 episodes, you'll not be disappointed. Also, get in touch by emailing us or messaging us on our social media sites and let us know who you are.

If you would like to sponsor the show or sponsor a flat in order we can help other homeless men, you can donate by going to https://www.scottishchristianalliance.org.uk and hitting that donate button. You can also donate at our Facebook page @TheARCHRS or contact us directly by email or  telephone. Please consider donating as we are a charity (SC021765) and are in need of funds to continue with the excellent work we do here. It is a privilege to work with so many brilliant characters; no two days are the same.

If you have any question or comment to make on this or any other episode or you just want to check us out, then please get in touch using our various social media outlets.

Email- [email protected]

Facebook- search 'The ARCH Resettlement Centre' 

Twitter- @ARCHThe or @SCAorg

Instagram- @scaarch36

Subscribe using www.scaarch.podbean.com

Thank you for reading and thank you for listening to the podcast, I look forward to hearing from you. 'Til next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Hello everyone, we're back after a short break with a new set of podcasts. This is episode 11 and my guest today is Sean. 

To begin with I just want to talk about the cut to funding many projects are experiencing in Glasgow at this time. As of the end of September 2019, The ARCH will lose a third of its core funding due to local authority cuts to its homeless budget. This will mean vital support, that helps vulnerable men leaving prison or rehabilitation and find themselves homeless will possible be denied access to a service that delivers not only a roof over someones head but also delivers a programme of tenancy sustainment, ensuring men are equipped with the skills and techniques to remain in a tenancy and not fall into the cycle of homelessness.

So, we need your help. Please consider sowing into the work we do here. Each tenancy supplied is a one bedroom flat with everything needed to succeed; kitchen with all mod cons, private shower room and living space. It's a peaceful and safe environment in which to thrive.

Sean lived and moved from The ARCH 3 years ago but it only seems like yesterday such is the frequency of his visits back to see staff. His gratitude for what he experienced at the project is wonderful and appreciated, and the journey he has undertaken is extraordinary and worth a listen. Sean comes across as a laid back, easy going sort of guy but underneath is a tough exterior that enables him to take on challenges head on and succeed.

Hi journey from homelessness to the brink of university has been a joy to witness. His time is filled helping and supporting others now with the skills he has learned since leaving The ARCH. It makes the job we do here well worthwhile. Sean engaged with the support, took on the advice from support staff and his peers and has found himself, not only succeeding in life, but making a major contribution to the week being of others. He appears to have found his niche in life, and it will only get better. 

I hope you enjoyed this episode. If so, please subscribe and listen to the previous 10 episodes, you'll not be disappointed. Also, get in touch by emailing us or messaging us on our social media sites and let us know who you are.

If you would like to sponsor the show or sponsor a flat in order we can help other homeless men, you can donate by going to https://www.scottishchristianalliance.org.uk and hitting that donate button. You can also donate at our Facebook page @TheARCHRS or contact us directly by email or  telephone. Please consider donating as we are a charity (SC021765) and are in need of funds to continue with the excellent work we do here. It is a privilege to work with so many brilliant characters; no two days are the same.

If you have any question or comment to make on this or any other episode or you just want to check us out, then please get in touch using our various social media outlets.

Email- [email protected]

Facebook- search 'The ARCH Resettlement Centre' 

Twitter- @ARCHThe or @SCAorg

Instagram- @scaarch36

Subscribe using www.scaarch.podbean.com

Thank you for reading and thank you for listening to the podcast, I look forward to hearing from you. 'Til next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Welcome loyal fans and new listeners to episode 10. 

John is our guest this week. His story will challenge you. Yes it will, so are you ready for your preconceptions of what homelessness is and how it should be dealt with. John is a good guy, deep down. But at the moment he is struggling, and he knows it, but he can't find a way out. Many people will offer up advice and suggestions on how John can, and maybe should, find a way out, but this is a truly, tragic, human story.

This episode will affect you, guaranteed, but how? Are you willing to listen and tell me how it has affected you? Go on, download and subscribe and let me know what you think.

If you enjoy this podcast or are affected by the issues discussed, or any other issues discussed on our previous episodes, and require support and direction, then please get in touch by emailing us or messaging us on our social media sites and staff will help or signpost you towards the support you need.

If you would like to sponsor the show or sponsor a flat in order we can help other homeless men, you can donate by going to https://www.scottishchristianalliance.org.uk and hitting that donate button. You can also donate at our Facebook page @TheARCHRS or contact us directly by email or  telephone. Please consider donating as we are a charity (SC021765) and are in need of funds to continue with the excellent work we do here. It is a privilege to work with so many brilliant characters; no two days are the same.

If you have any question or comment to make on this or any other episode or you just want to check us out, then please get in touch using our various social media outlets.

Email- [email protected]

Facebook- search 'The ARCH Resettlement Centre' 

Twitter- @ARCHThe or @SCAorg

Instagram- @scaarch36

Subscribe using www.scaarch.podbean.com

Thank you for reading and thank you for listening to the podcast, I look forward to hearing from you. 'Til next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Welcome podcasters to episode 9. 

I've known Gordon for many years so I was delighted when he agreed to take part in recording this podcast. He is a Fifer and like all Fifers can tell a good story. Gordon's story is very funny, very interesting and an honest account of where alcohol addiction can take you. He also talks about his loves and his travels around the UK and the US. I want to thank Gordon for sharing his story and I want to pass on his hope that it will help others out there to know that you can have a life after addiction and homelessness.

To those who follow us, thank you very much, it is very appreciated. Please encourage your friends, families, work colleagues and the person next to you right now to subscribe and download this and our previous episodes. 

If you enjoy this podcast or are affected by the issues discussed, or any other issues discussed on our previous episodes, and require support and direction, then please get in touch by emailing us or messaging us on our social media sites and staff will help or signpost you towards the support you need.

If you would like to sponsor the show or sponsor a flat in order we can help other homeless men, you can donate by going to https://www.scottishchristianalliance.org.uk and hitting that donate button. You can also donate at our Facebook page @TheARCHRS or contact us directly by email or  telephone. Please consider donating as we are a charity (SC021765) and are in need of funds to continue with the excellent work we do here. It is a privilege to work with so many brilliant characters; no two days are the same.

If you have any question or comment to make on this or any other episode or you just want to check us out, then please get in touch using our various social media outlets.

Email- [email protected]

Facebook- search 'The ARCH Resettlement Centre' 

Twitter- @ARCHThe or @SCAorg

Instagram- @scaarch36

Subscribe using www.scaarch.podbean.com

Thank you for reading and thank you for listening to the podcast, I look forward to hearing from you. 'Til next time, be blessed and stay safe9

Welcome to episode 8. Episode 8 already! can't believe it, and we've almost reached 200 downloads! I didn't know what to expect when I started this series but to have a reach into Ireland, the UK, Spain and the US within a couple of months I wouldn't have believed you. A big thank you for subscribing and downloading these episodes, I'll never take it for granted. Please get in touch and message us with you thoughts and comments, I'd love to hear from you.

For this episode we are taking a little step back to relax and enjoy a brief conversation with Janice Mitchell. Janice is the Housing Homeless Lead for Glasgow City Health & Social Care Partnership (GCHSCP). Janice is a popular lady who touches many lives in and around the North East and North West of the city, bringing together Housing Associations and Services in order that the residents living in these areas are served better in all areas of community health, social care, homelessness, tenancy sustainment and criminal justice.

In this episode we get to know a little about Janice's life; she talks briefly about her life, the job she does and her professional thoughts regarding the changes being implemented by Glasgow City Council. She also gives her thoughts on our project. It isn't a long episode as she is a busy woman, so we were pleased she managed to give us some time. Janice is something of an unsung hero hence this podcast; in some way it's a little tribute from us and a thank you for what she does. Thank you Janice!  

If you have enjoyed this episode then please let your feelings known to us/Janice via social media. You can contact Janice via Twitter. If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this episode, or on previous episodes, and require help and support, then please get in touch by emailing us or messaging us on our social media sites and staff will help or signpost you towards the support you need.

If you would like to sponsor the show or sponsor a flat/pillows/bedding/furniture packs/support in order we can help other homeless men, you can donate by going to https://www.scottishchristianalliance.org.uk and hitting that donate button. We are building up various ways in which people can sponsor/donate/give over the coming weeks. We have been asked what the best way to give is and we suggest to do it via our web site. You can also donate at our Facebook page @TheARCHRS or contact us directly by email or  telephone. Please consider donating as we are a charity (SC021765) and are in need of funds to continue with the excellent work we do here. It is a privilege to work with so many brilliant characters; no two days are the same.

If you have any question or comment to make on this or any other episode or you just want to check us out, then please get in touch using our various social media outlets.

Also, if you wish to see a short video of what we do at The ARCH then check out our Facebook page, @TheARCHRS.

Email- [email protected]

Facebook- search 'The ARCH Resettlement Centre' 

Twitter- @ARCHThe or @SCAorg

Instagram- @scaarch36

Subscribe using www.scaarch.podbean.com

The podcast is now available on iTunes/Spotify/Podbean/www.scottishchristianalliance.org.uk.

Thank you for reading and thank you for listening to the podcast; I look forward to hearing from you. 'Til next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Hello, and a warm welcome to episode 7. 

Today, sit back, relax and enjoy the dulcet tones of The Homeless Network's very own David Kidd. David joined me, to put into some sort of context, the recent changes in how homelessness is now being dealt with in Glasgow and other cities throughout Scotland with the introduction of Housing First. This is something that will directly affect what The ARCH currently works toward and will have an adverse affect when funding cuts come into play later this year. Here, David explains how the new system will work and what the likelihood of success will be.

This episode is different from previous episodes and although David touches on his own time experiencing homelessness that is not the main topic of this episode. His past experience is invaluable in his future career choice and enables him to have a unique insight into the plight of those experiencing homelessness. Through his work with Glasgow Homelessness Involvement and Feedback Team (GHIFT) David and his posse of those with lived experience, have helped forge the future direction for homeless provision in the city; for the good or for the bad. No doubt, time will tell. We get to hear about David's own private world as a music mixer and all round music guru. Check him out (dddm) on Soundcloud.  

If you enjoyed or you have issues with this episode then please let your feelings known to us/David via social media. You can contact David via the email address he gives out in the episode or via Twitter or, you can do the same with us at The ARCH (see below). If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this episode, or on previous episodes, and require help and support, then please get in touch by emailing us or messaging us on our social media sites and staff will help or signpost you towards the support you need.

If you would like to sponsor the show or sponsor a flat/pillows/bedding/furniture packs/support in order we can help other homeless men, you can donate by going to https://www.scottishchristianalliance.org.uk and hitting that donate button. We are building up various ways in which people can sponsor/donate/give over the coming weeks. We have been asked what the best way to give is and we suggest to do it via our web site. You can also donate at our Facebook page @TheARCHRS or contact us directly by email or  telephone. Please consider donating as we are a charity (SC021765) and are in need of funds to continue with the excellent work we do here. It is a privilege to work with so many brilliant characters; no two days are the same.

If you have any question or comment to make on this or any other episode or you just want to check us out, then please get in touch using our various social media outlets.

Also, if you wish to see a short video of what we do at The ARCH then check out our Facebook page, @TheARCHRS.

Email- [email protected]

Facebook- search 'The ARCH Resettlement Centre' 

Twitter- @ARCHThe or @SCAorg

Instagram- @scaarch36

Subscribe using www.scaarch.podbean.com

The podcast is now available on iTunes/Spotify/Podbean/www.scottishchristianalliance.org.uk.

Thank you for reading and thank you for listening to the podcast; I look forward to hearing from you. 'Til next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Welcome podcasters to episode 6. 

We are chatting to Donald today, and what a laugh we had! For a topic so serious to be so entertaining and then so poignant is a testament to Donald's strength of character, grace and humility. He discusses his life changing condition, his ups and downs with his partner, the singing at an early age, the musical influences, the drinking, his relationship with his parents and driving an electric car, with his boss, around a toy shop! Yes, you read correctly. This episode is my favourite to date for the sheer hilarity of it and I think you will love it. Thanks to Donald for being an excellent guest and for sharing his stories.

To those who follow us, thank you very much, it is very appreciated. Please encourage your friends, families, work colleagues and the person next to you right now to subscribe and download this and our previous episodes. 

If you enjoy the podcast or are affected by the issues discussed, or any other issues discussed on our previous episodes, and require help and support, then please get in touch by emailing us or messaging us on our social media sites and staff will help or signpost you towards the support you need.

If you would like to sponsor the show or sponsor a flat in order we can help other homeless men, you can donate by going to https://www.scottishchristianalliance.org.uk and hitting that donate button. You can also donate at our Facebook page @TheARCHRS or contact us directly by email or  telephone. Please consider donating as we are a charity (SC021765) and are in need of funds to continue with the excellent work we do here. It is a privilege to work with so many brilliant characters; no two days are the same.

If you have any question or comment to make on this or any other episode or you just want to check us out, then please get in touch using our various social media outlets.

Email- [email protected]

Facebook- search 'The ARCH Resettlement Centre' 

Twitter- @ARCHThe or @SCAorg

Instagram- @scaarch36

Subscribe using www.scaarch.podbean.com

Thank you for reading and thank you for listening to the podcast, I look forward to hearing from you. 'Til next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Hello everyone, how are you this week? Welcome to our new subscribers, it's a pleasure to have you aboard. So, time for episode 5. 

Last week I asked if you could help us get to 100 downloads by the end of this week; believe it or not, we're almost there! By the time this goes out I think we will have surpassed the 100 downloads mark. Thank you so much. Keep telling your friends, families, work colleagues and the person next to you on the bus or train to subscribe and download this and our previous episodes.

Today, I am chatting with a smashing bloke called Alistair. He gives a brutal insight into the world of addiction; of what addiction is mentally, spiritually and physically. He explores the damage it can cause with loved ones and with work colleagues. Alistair also speaks about the "chance" of treatment, depending on your post code. He speak about how he has "lived" in many flats but has never had a home, something he craves for.

It's a a touching, honest and, at times, unpleasant discussion on the human condition and family life. It's a long episode but one which will fly past as you are drawn into this captivating world like a moth to a light bulb. I trust you will have questions after listening to this, and to the other episodes on offer, so please get in touch. We'll do our best to answer them.

If you enjoy the podcast or are affected by the issues discussed and require help and support, then please get in touch by emailing us or messaging us on our social media sites and we'll help or signpost you towards the support you need.

You can donate by going to https://www.scottishchristianalliance.org.uk and hitting that donate button. You can also donate at our Facebook page @TheARCHRS

If you have any question or comment to make on this or any other episode or you just want to check us out, then please get in touch using our various social media outlets.

Email- [email protected]

Facebook- search 'The ARCH Resettlement Centre' 

Twitter- @ARCHThe or @SCAorg

Intsagram- @scaarch36

Subscribe using www.scaarch.podbean.com

Thank you for reading and thank you for listening to the podcast, I look forward to you comments.

Hello everyone, how are you this week? So, here we are again, episode 4. 

Thanks to those who have been in touch about our podcast, the number of downloads is rising, so much so, that we have over 60 subscribers now. Thank you if you are one of those people who has taken the time to download and listen. It means so much. Please help us get to 100 subscribers by next week, that would be something to celebrate, by telling your friends, families, work colleagues and the person next to you on the bus or tube.

This week we I am chatting to Ernie, well I say that, Ernie doesn't give me a chance to speak to him, not much anyway. Once he started he wouldn't stop! It's all good though. Ernie talks about his early life in Pollok, Glasgow and gives a mention to a famous bar in the cities Queen Street. It's a bar I often frequented in the 80's and it's where I watched the famous Davis/Taylor final of 1985. But enough of that, Ernie speaks from the heart; he is articulate and honest in his assessment of where he went wrong in his life and offers great insight to others on how to avoid the errors he made. So, relax, sit back, get it on in the car and enjoy Ernie's story.

If you enjoy the podcast and want to help us continue with the work that we do at The ARCH, then please get in touch. You can donate by going to https://www.scottishchristianalliance.org.uk and hitting that donate button. You can also donate at our Facebook page @TheARCHRS

If you have any question or comment to make on this or any other episode or you just want to check us out, then please get in touch using our various social media outlets.

Email- [email protected]

Facebook- search 'The ARCH Resettlement Centre' 

Twitter- @ARCHThe or @SCAorg

Intsagram- @scaarch36

Subscribe using www.scaarch.podbean.com

Thank you for reading and thank you for listening to the podcast, I look forward to you comments.