JUST LIKE YOU Just Like You" is a short film written and presented entirely by young people who are currently homeless. Often it is hard to image why people become homeless and so we think of it as happening to "someone else" or to people who have done sometime to "deserve" it. In "Just Like You" we see that homelessness really can happen to normal young people. The 5 minute film has been produced for use with young people to help increase understanding of homelessness and social exclusion. If you work with young people in Northern Ireland and would like a free copy of the DVD, contact the Education Unit 028 9023 2882. or email education@simoncommunity.org

Homelessness in Ireland – a Resource for Churches

Homelessness in Ireland was initiated in response to the large number of requests for speakers and information by churches throughout Ireland.  The growth of homelessness throughout Ireland has made homeless issues more prevalent within society and has led to a greater interest in and awareness of homelessness amongst churches.

The resource is a result of a unique project with representatives from the major Christian Churches, Simon Community Northern Ireland and the Simon Communities of Ireland working to raise awareness amongst congregations of the issue of homelessness.  Homelessness in Ireland has been widely supported by the Christian leaders and we hope it will prove to be a valuable resource.

The resource contains background information on the extent of homelessness in Ireland including resources for use in worship, children's and youth groups and guidelines on how to become involved in preventing homelessness and changing perceptions.  There are also two downloadable PowerPoint presentations – one for Northern Ireland, the other for the Republic of Ireland which can be used as part of any presentation.  Homelessness in Ireland is being distributed to all clergy within the four churches and further hard copies are available from Simon Community Northern Ireland and Simon Communities of Ireland.

• Churches Presentation for Northern Ireland (10.8MB Powerpoint file)
• Churches Presentation for Republic Of Ireland (5.6MB Powerpoint file)

• Homelessness in Ireland (22.1Mb PDF file)

An Introduction to Housing & Homelessness for Key Stage 3 Pupils

The Simon Community citizenship resource "An Introduction to Housing and Homelessness for Key Stage 3 Pupils" has been designed to fit in with the CCEA Key Stage 3 Citizenship programme.   The resource offers pupils the opportunity to explore issues of home, homelessness and the right to shelter and examines the emotional and social responses to the problem of homelessness.  The unit can also be linked with other subjects such as Personal Development, Home Economics, English and Drama and used as part of the GCSE Learning for Life and Work.  The resource is currently being disseminated free to schools and teachers through education and library board citizenship training days.

• Cover Page (4.1MB Word Document)
• Introduction (258KB Word Document)
• Section 1 (1.7MB Word Document)
• Section 2 (34.9MB Word Document)
• Section 4 (1.6MB Word Document)
• Section 5 (1.6MB Word Document)
• Section 6 (4.6MB Word Document)
• Appendix (1.5MB Word Document)

Key Issues magazine

The Outspoken group produce an annual magazine "Key Issues" aimed at young people, containing information about homelessness, stories about personal experiences of homelessness, cartoons and puzzles.

What's Homelessness All About - Key Stage 2 Resource

The aim of the resource is to raise awareness of the extent and the reality of homelessness in Northern Ireland as well as trying to break down the sterotypes that people have of those who are homeless.

The activities in the resource cover various topics in curriculum such as English, Maths, Art and Citizenships.

The resource was developed in conjuction with CCEA, who approved it fits into the revised curriculum under the section on Mutual Understanding in the Local and Wider Community for Key Stage 2.  The resource provides an opportunity for the pupils to explore relationships with family and friends and relationships in Community and the Wider World.

Click here to view a copy of the resource with answers.

Learning for Life and Work

Please click here to view a copy of the Leraning for Life and Work Presentation

Citzenship Lesson Plans

To view Citzenship Lesson plans click here 

Christmas Fundraising Pack

The Simon Community have developed a Fundraising pack to help give you some ideas to run your own activites over the festive period.  If you are is interested in fundraising to help homeless individuals and families please click here to view a copy of the pack.