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Monday, May 02, 2005

Housing

One recent visitor to this site has been homeless since the age of 15. He has also had a drink and drugs problem.

See:  http://www.jamiesbigvoice.blogspot.com

His site is well worth a visit, I should declare a past interest as many years ago (over 30 years actually) as a probation officer I met John Healy who, after many years as a vagrant alcoholic, became the first person who I am aware of to write an autobiography. (The Grass Arena by John Healy. Faber and Faber ISBN 0-571-15170-1)

It also won the film of the year award and had in it an actor who played my rather minor role. I didn't like the image. My frequent warnings to John about further offences was translated in the film from "If you do that again John, you're ****** nicked"  became "I must warn you John that you could be arrested for that"! That was truly the wrong type of poetic licence!

Anyway John is still in touch and well off the drink so good luck to Jamie too.

Jamie is clearly politically street wise as well. He has spotted that Labour is the best vote even though he is not entirely satisfied with our record.

I don't know how many people are aware of it but the homeless can now vote - Labour gave them that right. We also have housing policies that are much more effective then in the past although it is always particularly difficult to assist people who have drink and drug problems in addition to homelessness.

Thanks for the mention on your Blog I agreee with you it was along night. the outcome I think was expected. Better the devil you know I think is what the public thought this time round, just thought i'd say thanks for the mention.

Glad to hear that John Healy is doing OK. I remember the Grass Arena being on the telly and have read the book, although until now I didn't realise you were the same Clive Soley as the guy in the book! If you get the time please could you let me know if John is still being published, and pass on my best wishes?
Thanks,
Gareth John