Irish Times: Past, present and future – Country wisdom

Sir, – Patrick Freyne, writing about Patrick Joyce’s book Remembering Peasants, gives us a great reminder of the not too distant past, and how easy it has become for us to forget “our postmodern world is locked in a continuous present tense” (“Learning from our peasant past: ‘We might have to live on the edge. We may have to learn to be survivors’”, Books, February 10th).

In our rush to solve life’s problems, often even around our most pressing issues, health and homelessness, a degree of reflection free of soundbites, blame and management speak could go some way to instil optimism and help us navigate through these challenging times. – Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,
Director of Services,
Alice Leahy Trust,
Dublin 8.

See: https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2024/02/14/past-present-and-future/

“Just reaching out . . . ” Bandwidth challenges (Irish Times)

Sir, – An email I received recently from a master’s student in one of our well-known universities who wanted to be put in touch with homeless people for research purposes highlighted how nonsensical things have become. It started off “Hi Gatekeeper – I am reaching out to you.” Justine’s article has reassured me that I am not alone as I head into the New Year optimistic that things might change. Hope springs eternal. – Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director of Services,

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2023/12/30/just-reaching-out/

Vulnerable people have rights too (Irish Times)

Sir, – To see a photograph of a “vulnerable person” waved around the Dáil – for political gain – is a new low and is deeply concerning (News, November 29th). This at a time when our capital city is hurting and so many people are working hard to help it heal.

Dáil privilege is gifted to a small number of our citizens by virtue of their election to public office and should never be abused. It was clearly abused in this instance.

It is worth noting that Christmas time is open season to photograph “homeless people”, often for fundraising purposes and without their permission, unaware of the hurt it causes to families.

Human rights are for all of us. – Yours, etc,

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2023/12/01/vulnerable-people-have-rights-too/

Homelessness and ill-health – A reminder of how services have changed or not since the 1970s and 1980s

Sir, – Inclusion Health has a dedicated team of a senior social worker, a clinical nurse specialist, a psychiatric nurse and case manager as described by Prof Clíona Ní Cheallaigh (“Homelessness leading to more ill-health, says expert”, News, July 3rd).

She noted that in 2015 – eight years ago – 10 per cent of those presenting at emergency departments were homeless.

Homelessness is complex and the story of the man referred to in the article would replicate the story of many people known to homeless services, this while acknowledging the uniqueness of every human being.

It was a reminder of how services have changed or not since the 1970s and 1980s. Then, hospital staff generally led by well-informed social workers, public health nurses, hospital doctors and nurses, community welfare officers (sadly no more) worked closely together with agencies working in the field of homelessness and, of course, there was less bureaucracy.

Yes, the drug situation was not as bad then and the numbers of people homeless was much lower. This situation too was helped by the availability of corporation flats, bedsits, and hostels and night shelters run by dedicated staff who provided a safe environment for those calling hostels home.

“The more things change, the more they remain the same.” – Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director of Services,

Alice Leahy Trust,

Dublin 8.

Link: https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2023/07/10/homelessness-and-ill-health/