Vulnerable people become reporters and publishers

Published by Jerry Lyons for Home Group in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment, Health

A magazine written and produced by vulnerable people who have been homeless is being distributed to 15,000 readers across England.

The editorial team was made up from national supported housing provider Stonham’s clients from Plymouth with the help of their peers in other parts of the country.

The publication called The Mag was launched on Thursday 25 February and features real-life stories, poems, celebrity interviews and thought provoking articles. It has the iconic Smeaton Lighthouse on its front cover.

Daniel Lee Lewis, of Harwell Street, Plymouth, 18, has been supported by Stonham since August 2009 and he played a major role in writing and editing the magazine. He said: “The whole process of putting this together has taught me about the importance of persevering. There’s been a lot of hard work involved and it has been stressful at times especially researching articles and making deadlines.”

One of his articles was about his experience when he became a Big Issue seller for a day.

He said: “Being a Big Issue seller for the day was really an eye opener. I started off wanting to write about how the street sellers annoyed me but I ended up very sympathetic to them. People I know in Plymouth who normally acknowledge me ignored me the moment I began selling The Big Issue. People who have read the article say they now treat Big Issue sellers more respectfully and realise it’s a tough job.”

Project worker, Sue Hawley, who helped co-ordinate The Mag, said: “It’s been fascinating to learn just how much work goes into making a magazine. Some people involved dropped out but those who stuck with it to the end should be really proud of what they have achieved.

“My highlight was seeing The Mag roll off the press at the printers. It felt like a real triumph for everyone involved.”

Along side clients’ poems are articles on how being active and outdoors can help boost mental well-being. There’s also an interview with former Stonham client turned actor, Lewis Barnshaw, who is from Plymouth and had a role in a Harry Potter film.

It is also available as an audio recording and a large print version making it available to as many readers as possible.

The next edition of The Mag will be produced by clients from Northampton with contributions coming in from Stonham services across the country.

The Mag highlights the importance Stonham puts on getting clients involved and giving them as many opportunities as possible to express themselves.

The Mag by numbers

2 - This is the second edition of The Mag.

6 – Months of hard work to put it together

11 - Stonham clients and staff involved in making it happen

16 - The number of full colour pages it contains.

15,000 - Stonham clients, staff and services will receive it.