#40: Reverend Roger Quick - Helping The Homeless
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In this episode, Reverend Roger shares with us his own battles with mental health and alcoholism, his relationship with faith and his ongoing work with St George's Crypt; a charity that provides accommodation for the homeless and vulnerable, as well as rehabilitation projects and work readiness programmes. His compassion, honesty and relatability really stand out and it was a pleasure to have him on the podcast!
Tune in to this episode to learn how to be more compassionate towards homeless people and see what we can do to help this seemingly ever-growing problem.
Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
An honest discussion about faith and religion.
Gain an understanding as to why and how the homeless become homeless.
Learn how we can all help end the homeless issue and become more compassionate.
6 Powerful Quotes from This Episode
“We are not just providing a hot meal and a bed for the night […] we are trying to value each person that comes in and tell them that their lives are valuable.”
“Our motives are never unmixed.”
“At the heart of all religions, and I include atheism in that, we are all just climbing different sides of the same mountain.”
“If your religion makes you more compassionate it’s a good thing. If it doesn’t you need to think again. ”
“We are all addicted to something, even if it is only the approval of those around us.”
“In regards to not wanting to identify with someone who is homeless. Part of this is because we try to shield ourselves from pain and if we let someone from that situation in then we feel their pain and suffer with. Con passion. We try to avoid that. Part of the solution to that is to know that it is alright to hurt.”
Episode Highlights
Relationship with Faith
● After growing up in a very strict religious household, Roger turned his back on religion once he went to the University of Leeds.
● However, after battling with alcoholism and mental health struggles Roger reconnected with his faith and became a Reverend of all things!
Battles with Alcoholism & Mental Health
● Starting at Leeds University opened Roger’s eyes to the world and he became a regular at the Faversham, the on-campus student union pub.
● After playing a lunatic in a play for a long period of time, whilst at university, he struggled to part ways with the character and he struggled with his mental health.
● After getting drunk as a student he staggered over St George's Crypt looking for shelter and solace. They actually turned him away but without knowing it, that was the start of a very special relationship.
● Roger lost his role model, John, to suicide and quickly realised that if he didn’t change his ways he would follow suit.
Tackling the Homeless Issue
● Research shows that when people get an MRI scan and are shown a picture of a homeless person the part of the brain that recognises objects, not humans, lights up.
● Roger explains to us how we need to take a more compassionate view and realise that when we look at a homeless person we are looking at a human being and that we could easily be in their position.
● Roger tells us how we can all help on an individual level and tackle this problem together.
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To removing stigma,
Jim and Seb
