We are inviting people to “tell their story” in any way they can. Some will share their feelings in visual arts and some in words. We will be inviting people to write down their experiences and feelings, answer some simple questions and even share their stories in short videos.
Some have already shared their views. Here are some of the things people have been saying so far.
“Lots of problems are being face by the people of Southwark. This is just some of what they have told us.”
“The mould is everywhere in the bedroom. My children wake up coughing every morning!”
“I’ve reported the problem three times! Each time someone comes, they do nothing and then the council close the job, saying it’s been repaired. No, it hasn’t been repaired! they’ve done nothing!”
“My RSO never answers their phone. My message go to the answering service. No one rings me back. I can’t remember the last time they were on the estate!”
“What’s happened to the cleaning on our estate? I keep asking when they are going to do a proper clean. Nothing so far….”
“The Council are supposed to make leaks from above a priority. Really? Three weeks this water has been coming through the ceiling. When will they turn up and do something?”
“I mean, they are polite when I call them. It does sound like they want to help. It’s just….well, nothing happens, you know. What am I going to do?”
“I felt really good, too. Just spending time with the fabrics and glue, like I was a kid again! And the things we made! Getting our message over and having fun – what a change!”
“Having people around who know what you are going through makes all the difference! You know, I had become so isolated I just felt that I was the only one suffering all of this. Now I feel like someone will have to take notice!”
“The look on their faces when we lifted up the banners. We did that! We lifted up something of ourselves, too. I can’t believe we just did that!”
“Being told it was my fault, like I wanted to harm my children! I mean, how can they say that? They haven’t even bothered to come and see for themselves. Let them come and see what it’s really like!“