In a bold move to challenge the prevailing narratives surrounding homelessness and poverty, the International Network of Street Papers (INSP) has secured funding to launch a pioneering journalistic training programme.
This initiative, based in Glasgow, Scotland, aims to empower individuals who have experienced homelessness and poverty by providing them with the skills to tell their own stories and share their perspectives with the world.
A recent poll by the Centre for Homelessness Impact and IPSOS revealed that 89% of Scottish respondents view homelessness as a serious problem. Despite this widespread concern, public discourse often perpetuates negative stereotypes, labeling those experiencing homelessness as ‘scroungers’ or ‘lazy’. These misconceptions not only misrepresent the complexities of homelessness but also contribute to stigma and marginalisation.
As a non-profit organization, INSP represents 92 street paper organizations across 35 countries, including publications like The Big Issue. Street papers are sold by individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty, offering a vital source of income and a platform for self-expression. INSP’s mission is to support these enterprises and empower individuals to address poverty and homelessness through storytelling and journalism.
The new programme invites individuals with direct experience of homelessness and poverty in Scotland to participate in a two-month cohort. Participants will engage in journalism and storytelling workshops led by media professionals and inspiring speakers who have faced similar challenges. This hands-on training will equip them with the skills to write and share their stories—whether personal narratives, creative writing pieces, or news articles.
A key aspect of the programme is the financial incentive; participants will be paid for any published articles. These stories will be distributed globally through INSP’s News Service, reaching all 92 member organizations worldwide. This not only provides a platform for personal expression but also contributes to a broader narrative shift in how homelessness and poverty are discussed in the media and public discourse.
The pilot phase of the programme has been funded by five trusts and foundations: The Robertson Trust, Endrick Trust, People’s Postcode Trust, Albert Hunt Trust, and the National Lottery Awards for All. These organizations recognize the project’s potential to challenge prevailing narratives and create new pathways into the media industry for marginalized individuals.
Mike Findlay-Agnew, CEO of INSP, highlights the importance of accurate information in addressing rising levels of deep poverty. He emphasizes that the project aims to inspire participants to share their stories confidently, whether through personal accounts, reporting, or creative writing. INSP is actively seeking additional partnerships and funding to expand the programme’s reach and impact.
This initiative aligns with broader trends in journalism, where there is an increasing emphasis on collaboration and innovative storytelling to address social issues. By empowering individuals to tell their own stories, INSP is not only challenging stereotypes but also contributing to a more inclusive media landscape. The long-term goal is to create sustainable pathways into the media industry for those who might otherwise be excluded, fostering a more diverse and representative journalistic community.
How to Participate
Individuals interested in joining the programme can submit a 150-word statement explaining their motivation to Niamh Brook at niamhb@insp.ngo. Alternatively, they can contact Mike Findlay-Agnew for a discussion about the project at mike@insp.ngo. Short interviews will be conducted over March and April, with the programme set to begin in mid-April.
The International Network of Street Papers’ journalistic training programme represents a significant step forward in challenging the narratives surrounding homelessness and poverty. By providing a platform for marginalized voices and fostering a more inclusive media environment, INSP is poised to make a lasting impact on how these issues are perceived and addressed globally.
Rowan Alba have done some great work in this area. I fear you will be excluding a large amount of people experiencing homelessness through having to send an email. Many wont have the facilities to do this or the capacity to- but will still have a great story that needs told, how can you also support them to get their stories out there?