Working for St Pat's

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Fiona Kirkcaldy

From a private collection

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Steps of St Patrick's, Brighton

From a private collection

I returned to the UK from Kenya in 2000. I had until that point spent the majority of my life in Africa where I worked as both a teacher and freelance researcher. Africa is a fascinating continent full of diversity and vibrancy, but there were also some acute social brought about by issues such as civil war, famine, HIV/AIDS, and massive population growth. Hence, I have always felt a strong desire to work in an anvironment that gives me the opportunity to assist people who are, for a multitude of reasons, less fortunate than I feel I have been.

I spent the first year I was back doing an MA in Development Studies; this course essentially focused on poverty alleviation and how to improve the lives of disenfranchised and socially excluded populations. When I finished the course I applied for a job, as a tutor, at St. Patrick’s as I felt working with and for the homeless was an appropriate choice as they also often face/have many social problems

I have enjoyed working for St. Pat’s enormously; it has been an interesting experience and has certainly broadened my mind. Many people have stereotypical and erroneous views on the homeless; I have found that many homeless people have had some pretty appalling life experiences and just need a bit of encouragement, support and respect to help them get back on their feet.

I am 34 years old, and have a 9-year-old daughter, called Alice, who is actually an angel disguised as a little girl.