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#smalltowninertia Carl in his apartment July 2017 Wonderful afternoon shared with Carl, today. We made interviews focussing upon the stresses of living in an apartment block that is poorly maintained with stairs that are increasingly difficult to navigate, has poor security and recently had a Police raid because Heroin was being sold. Together we also made photographs together and discussed his coming image/text story. 

#smalltowninertia James at home June 2017

#smalltowninertia Carlos in his apartment July 2017 Yesterday, I went to visit with Tilney1 and Carl. After talking with Tilney1 for a couple of hours I then knocked upon Carl’s apartment door, no answer. Luckily I had a phone with me, so I messaged and Carl was sharing some time with his next door neighbour, Carlos, whom I’d heard about but as yet, never met.  Carl answered the door with Carlos, who was in some great distress. Kindly I was invited in and listened as Carl, 59, Portuguese, through tears, explained his troubles. Living in the UK for 16 years, plagued with health issues, divorced and without contact with (Nor knowing the whereabouts of) his four children through all his time, the pain of being separated from his children cuts deep, an everyday shroud. This pain, compounded by the sudden deaths of two of his friends, appointments at the Doctors that are difficult to make through not having a phone or the internet, his broken English making communication frustrating, the navigation of suicidal impulses, depression, isolation and fear, all these stresses add up.   Carl was with us, he and Carlos have struck up a close friendship in recent months, caring for one another, listening to each others problems, spending and sharing time, their friendship transcending physical and cultural differences. Being neighbours. To have been invited within Carlos’ home, his life is such an honour, I’ll be revisiting tomorrow.  

#smalltowninertia Tilney1 calling the Samaritans helpline July 2017

#smalltowninertia James at home June 2017

#smalltowninertia Jimmy at home June 2017

#smalltowninertia James at home June 2017