John
How long have you been involved with the Booth Centre?
At least 20 years.
What made you want to become a Trustee?
I was looking for things to do as I slowly retired from Salford University, and wanted those things to be socially useful. One thing was the Bury Youth Referral Service; the other was the Booth Centre – both clearly highly useful, albeit for different groups of people with problems. However, it is often possible to see vulnerable young people who, unless effectively helped, are unconsciously embarking down the pathways that can ultimately produce a situation where homelessness becomes the final unavoidable choice.
What's your favourite thing about the Booth Centre?
Its non-judgemental refusal to give up on anyone; its understanding that homelessness is often symptomatic of much broader problems that people have and perception that help needs to be offered on multiple fronts; and its realisation that involvement in all aspects of the Booth Centre’s work can be an essential part of self-reconstruction.
Have any of your perceptions around homelessness changed since being involved with the Booth Centre?
Yes absolutely – partly via the Booth Centre itself and meeting its volunteers; and partly via the online searches I have done into the causes of homelessness as I became involved with the Booth Centre.
Any hobbies or interests that you'd like to share?
I am a compulsive photographer; enthusiastic gardener, retired political scientist/historian – and have used all of the results in the work I have done with the Booth Centre over the years – e.g. in the Learning Circle, involving some of the most enjoyable teaching I have ever done. I am also a fanatical dog-lover, and my current dog has also occasionally done his bit for the Booth Centre.
Do you have any advice or encouragement for anyone thinking of volunteering, becoming a Trustee or getting involved at the Booth Centre?
It is always great fun, whatever the problem may look like from the outside.
At least 20 years.
What made you want to become a Trustee?
I was looking for things to do as I slowly retired from Salford University, and wanted those things to be socially useful. One thing was the Bury Youth Referral Service; the other was the Booth Centre – both clearly highly useful, albeit for different groups of people with problems. However, it is often possible to see vulnerable young people who, unless effectively helped, are unconsciously embarking down the pathways that can ultimately produce a situation where homelessness becomes the final unavoidable choice.
What's your favourite thing about the Booth Centre?
Its non-judgemental refusal to give up on anyone; its understanding that homelessness is often symptomatic of much broader problems that people have and perception that help needs to be offered on multiple fronts; and its realisation that involvement in all aspects of the Booth Centre’s work can be an essential part of self-reconstruction.
Have any of your perceptions around homelessness changed since being involved with the Booth Centre?
Yes absolutely – partly via the Booth Centre itself and meeting its volunteers; and partly via the online searches I have done into the causes of homelessness as I became involved with the Booth Centre.
Any hobbies or interests that you'd like to share?
I am a compulsive photographer; enthusiastic gardener, retired political scientist/historian – and have used all of the results in the work I have done with the Booth Centre over the years – e.g. in the Learning Circle, involving some of the most enjoyable teaching I have ever done. I am also a fanatical dog-lover, and my current dog has also occasionally done his bit for the Booth Centre.
Do you have any advice or encouragement for anyone thinking of volunteering, becoming a Trustee or getting involved at the Booth Centre?
It is always great fun, whatever the problem may look like from the outside.