Skip to content

From Homelessness to Hope:

Claire's Journey of Resilience

Tune in here

Last week's episode

Season 1: Episode 2

Release Date: 11/12/24

Host: Gabby Cunningham

Guest: Clare Bradley

www.angermanagementcoach.co.uk


Show Notes:


[00:00] Introduction
- Host Gabby Cunningham introduces the podcast "When I Was Homeless," which focuses on personal stories of homelessness and resilience.
- The introduction highlights the episode’s two-part nature, featuring guest Clare from Wigan, UK.

[02:15] Clare’s Background
- Clare shares her journey from being a police officer in Blackpool to becoming involved in community projects.
- Discussion of her career shift to NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and coaching.

[05:45] Experiencing Addiction and Homelessness
- Clare opens up about her gambling addiction and how it affected her life.
- Description of Clare’s decision to work in Nigeria as a potential solution for stability.

[10:30] Family Dynamics and Challenges
- Clare talks about leaving her son Harry with her parents during her time in Nigeria.
- Impact of her father’s illness on her personal and professional decisions.

[15:15] Struggles in Nigeria and Return to the UK
- Clare’s experiences with gambling while in Nigeria.
- Adjustments and difficulties upon her return, including securing housing in a trailer park.

[20:50] Seeking Help and Finding Hope
- Clare’s spinal surgery and the revelation it brought about her life changes.
- Her perseverance in seeking medical help and the eventual positive shift in medication.

[25:45] Career and Personal Growth
- The evolution of Clare's work as a behavior change coach and her commitment to helping others.
- Details on her collaboration with Adulam Homes to support homeless individuals.

[30:00] Building a Better Life
- Celebrating her son’s 21st birthday in New York; a moment of personal triumph.
- Rebuilding a strong relationship with her son and his stable career with the local police.

[35:20] Moving Forward: New Beginnings
- Clare shares insights about her new project supporting service users through coaching and her involvement in criminal proceedings for anger management.
- Promotion of her services and contact info (www.angermanagementcoach.co.uk).

[40:00] Host Reflection: Understanding Homelessness
- Gabby reflects on her experiences as a community health nurse and her evolving understanding of homelessness.
- Discussion on the complexities of homelessness beyond societal stereotypes.

[45:25] Final Thoughts and Conclusions
- Clare emphasizes learning from life challenges without letting them define you.
- Gabby concludes by reinforcing that homelessness is an experience, not an identity, encouraging listeners to visit the podcast website for resources and involvement opportunities.

[50:00] Closing Remarks
- Gabby thanks Clare for sharing her story and Gabby signs off until the next episode.

Listeners can connect further with Clare and explore her work via her website and Facebook page. Tune in for more stories of resilience and insight on forthcoming episodes of "When I Was Homeless."


 

Conversation Starters

 

  1. Clare's journey from homelessness to becoming a coaching professional is incredibly inspiring. What aspects of her story resonated with you the most and why?

  2. Clare emphasized the importance of understanding rather than judging. How can we apply this approach in supporting people experiencing homelessness in our communities?

  3. Clare discussed the complexities of addiction and its impact on her life. How do you think current societal systems could be improved to better support individuals facing similar challenges?

  4. Hearing about Clare's career shift from policing to being a coach was quite revealing. How do you think her past experiences have shaped her empathetic approach today?

  5. Clare talked about the significance of medication changes in overcoming her gambling addiction. What role do you think healthcare plays in tackling behavioral and addiction issues?

  6. Reflecting on Clare's story of leaving her son while working in Nigeria, how have you navigated tough parenting decisions during challenging times?

  7. Clare's story highlights the lack of preparedness that often accompanies sudden homelessness. What do you think can be done to better support those who find themselves in similar situations?

  8. Clare's relationship with her son has strengthened despite past hardships. How do you think resilience plays a role in rebuilding family bonds after tough experiences?

  9. Clare's work with male perpetrators of domestic abuse is challenging. What are your thoughts on using coaching and empathy as tools for behavior change?

  10. Clare mentioned working with Adulam Homes to support those who are homeless and traumatized. What community resources do you know of that are making a positive impact on homelessness?

 

Worksheet: Understanding the Complexities of Homelessness, Addiction, and Personal Resilience

Objective: Reflect on the themes of homelessness, addiction, and personal resilience explored in the podcast episode with Clare, and apply these reflections to personal growth and greater social awareness.


Part 1: Self-Reflection and Analysis

1. Personal Experiences and Challenges:

  • Reflect on Clare's journey through homelessness and addiction. What are some of the pivotal moments that she experienced which led to her transformation?

  • Write down any personal challenges you've faced that may relate to Clare's story. How have those experiences shaped who you are today?

2. The Role of Support Systems:

  • How did Clare's relationships with her family, colleagues, and employers impact her journey?

  • Think about your support system. List the people or resources that provide support during challenging times. How have they helped you navigate through difficulties?


Part 2: Empathy and Understanding

3. Shifting Perspectives:

  • Clare discussed her changing perspective from seeing homelessness as a problem to viewing it as a societal issue needing care and support.

  • Write about a time when your perspective on a social issue or personal belief changed. What prompted this change, and what did you learn from it?

4. Non-Judgmental Support:

  • Clare emphasized the importance of understanding and supporting others without judgment. Why is this approach beneficial, particularly when working with individuals facing homelessness and addiction?


Part 3: Practical Application

5. Personal Growth Goals:

  • Considering Clare's journey of overcoming addiction and building a stable life, what personal growth goals can you set for yourself? List two or three goals and outline the first steps you can take to achieve them.

6. Community Engagement:

  • How can you contribute to raising awareness or supporting those experiencing homelessness or addiction in your community?

  • Research local organizations or initiatives similar to Clare's work with Adulam Homes. Note one or two potential volunteer opportunities or support actions you can take.


Part 4: Creative Reflection

7. Storytelling as Healing:

  • Clare's story highlighted the healing power of sharing personal experiences. Write a short narrative or poem about a moment of resilience in your life or someone you admire. How does this story inspire strength or change?


Part 5: Extend Your Learning

8. Resources and Further Reading:

  • Visit Clare’s website (www.angermanagementcoach.co.uk) and explore resources on anger management and personal coaching.

  • Access the resources provided at the end of the podcast on homelessness. List one or two new pieces of information or resources you discovered that deepen your understanding of homelessness.


Conclusion:

Through this worksheet, you've explored the complexities of homelessness, addiction, and personal resilience. Use your reflections to foster empathy, define personal growth goals, and consider ways to contribute positively to your community. Remember, experiences do not define us, but they can guide us toward strength and support.

 

 

Resources for Human Trafficking Survivors and Families | Global Directory image

Resources for Human Trafficking Survivors and Families | Global Directory

Discover a comprehensive global directory of resources for human trafficking survivors and their families. Find government initiatives, non-profit organizations, hotlines, and support services across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Access immediate crisis intervention, long-term rehabilitation, and advocacy to navigate the path from survival to thriving. Empower yourself or your loved ones with the tools to break free from modern-day slavery and rebuild lives. Join forces against human trafficking and find hope, help, and support in this extensive resource guide.

Resource Library: Healing & Support Tools