mental health is responsible for the prevailing issue of addiction Reflecting on Skye’s words, I have come to see the importance of within the displaced community, which he himself suffered from for respect for the displaced. Although it might not always seem like a big an extended period. He told me financial or material support were not deal to us, being deliberate in appreciating and acknowledging their issues for him, and that he has all he needs in that regard. humanity contributes to real societal change. Human connections and safety matter, and we can make a difference. Jason’s story and our conversation demonstrate that mental health is among the complex factors of displacement. Lack of motivation and Out of all that I have taken from these conversations and want addiction are large contributors towards homelessness and, as he to share with you, the most important aspects are compassion, described, are secondary effects of greater mental battles. If we are awareness and action for the displaced. Compassion for their committed to helping Jason and the rest of the displaced community, situation is a motivator for change, and with its increase will come the importance of mental health must not be forgotten. further benefit to the lives of the displaced. Awareness of their needs for more safety, interaction and connection will allow us and others to The last conversation relates to how we can assist the displaced. I be better able to help them. And through the help of the many great spoke with Skye, a 25-year-old woman. She was first on the streets volunteering organisations out there, and perhaps a little initiative, we at only 16. She is young but has already been displaced for over a can take action and be part of the change we wish to see in society. third of her life. Skye told me of the issue of safety, having once been drugged by someone who promised to want to help her. We know the Now, it’s that awkward moment again. Just in front of you. You see relationship between violence and homelessness amongst women; in people sitting down alone, isolated and ignored – they reach out to Australia, it is the leading cause of homelessness. you and try to make to make eye contact. The stigma around homelessness also contributes to the lack of You could walk past them and pretend not to notice; maybe you’d feel safety felt by Skye and others on the streets. She told me how she guilty, but you’ll forget it by tomorrow morning. The question is: will feels seen as inferior and insignificant. As I sat and talked to her, you choose change? her friend and partner, she said of the passers-by, ‘all they see is four bums’. Shortly afterwards a man came past and proved her Jasper Walsh point by harassing me in a dehumanising manner that I had never Year 11 experienced before. Images from left: Jasper chatting to locals in Darlinghurst; Jasper encourages compassion, awareness and action regarding the displaced; Jasper at Green Park in Darlinghurst. Service| News Spring 2022 | Stanmore 7–12 | 19