Groups linked to the Poverty Truth Commission involved in GRAND Week 2012

 

Last week in Glasgow it was GRAND (Getting Real about Alcohol 'N' Drugs) Week, which is a city-wide initiative that enables communities to develop local responses to alcohol and drug issues.  A number of groups with links to the Poverty Truth Commission were involved.

 

Faith in Community Scotland's Faith in Throughcare project launched, as part of the week, their book 'In My Place' which contains a collection of stories and poems written by those involve in the project at their drop in centre, The Place in Possilpark. The project works through faith communities in Scotland’s poorest neighbourhood’s to support people who are being released from prison to settle into more fulfilling lives in their families and communities. Copies of the book are available from the Faith in Community Scotland office by calling 0141 221 4576.

 

One poem included in the book is called Doors of Hope.

 

The door opened and there I was

Back in the world of confusion

And fear not knowing what lies

Ahead but to be honest if I knew

What I was facing I would try

Not to open the door of despair 

And stay in my own world of what I thought was Safety.

The punishment never ends.

Anon

Another book of creative work launched as part of GRAND Week was written by Kinship Carers from Glasgow with the help of the Village Storytelling Centre in Glasgow. The book includes stories of how drug and alcohol misuse can affect families written by some amazingly strong and resourceful people who have some extremely moving stories to tell. One poem from the book is a haiku.

five kids in my care
world of trouble, full of love
hop, skip and a jump

 

Copies of the book are available at the Village Storytelling Centre.