INSP to host 'Changing the narrative on homelessness' event in Glasgow

The International Network of Street Papers (INSP) has partnered with a number of social enterprises to put on a special evening event on Thursday 28 November on 'Changing the narrative on homeless and poverty', partly in celebration of its 30th anniversary.

New official statistics from Joseph Rowntree Foundation show that over one million people are experiencing poverty in Scotland right now, where INSP is based. One in four people in poverty are children. And it's not just Scotland. UK wide, 9.3 million people are facing hardship and hunger. Globally, a total of 712 million people have been living in extreme poverty.

INSP has been working for 30 years to support a network of street papers globally. The charity currently represents nearly 100 street paper enterprises who are part of the solution to the homelessness and poverty crisis.

INSP and street paper news champions unheard voices coming from the streets, and the Glasgow based organisations runs a global newswire which is used by its members to populate their newspapers and magazines.

People experiencing homelessness and poverty are often 'othered' in society and the media, and reporting on the issues often does not consider the voices of those who have directly experienced the issues themselves.

The 'Changing the narrative on homeless and poverty' event will aim to challenge this. Attendees will see an exhibition of street papers from across the world, hear directly about the impact of INSP, and will have the chance to reflect and experience what it is like to be without a home. 

For the first time in Scotland, a special virtual reality experience will be given to attendees enabling them to feel and see what it is like to be homeless, thanks to support of the One to One Development Trust, an award winning arts organisation that uses digital media to engage people in immersive projects.

INSP is delighted to have partnered with a number of other enterprises who are doing innovative and creative work to challenge the narrative around homelessness: Slanj Kilts, One to One Development Trust, Arkbound Foundation and The Blankfaces, who will be at the event to showcase their work.

Anyone with a keen interest in the work of street papers, INSP and the wider homelessness sector, is welcome to join for the event. Link to ticket bookings below.

For more details or to get involved in INSP's Glasgow event contact Mike Findlay-Agnew at INSP: mike@insp.ngo.