VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Training people who’ve experienced homelessness to be walking tour guides
Training people who’ve experienced homelessness to be walking tour guides
Training people who’ve experienced homelessness to be walking tour guides
Friday 3rd May 2024
Discover how Invisible Cities trains people who've experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides, sharing unique perspectives and changing lives.
40 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Supportive
Authentic
About this podcast
Author:
VIMHS
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Community & Support Networks
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Transforming Lives Through Walking Tours: The Story of Invisible Cities
Episode Overview
- Invisible Cities trains people who've experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides.
- The programme offers skills in public speaking, customer service, and confidence building.
- Guides share personal stories alongside historical facts, providing a unique tour experience.
- Invisible Cities has expanded from Edinburgh to other UK cities like Manchester and Glasgow.
- The initiative aims to challenge stigma and create new opportunities for its participants.
We try to give a voice to people who often don't have a voice, but also highlight the stories that too often are not highlighted
Ever wondered how walking tours could change lives? In this episode of People First Radio, Zakia Moulaoui Guery shares her inspiring journey of founding Invisible Cities, a social enterprise that trains people who've experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides. The story begins a decade ago when Zakia was moved by the stories of homeless individuals she met through her work.
Realising the broader public's lack of exposure to these narratives, she set out to bridge the gap by creating a platform where these voices could be heard and appreciated. Invisible Cities started in Edinburgh and has since expanded to cities like Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, and York. Zakia discusses the unique approach of Invisible Cities, where guides share their personal experiences alongside historical facts, offering a fresh perspective on familiar places.
You'll hear about the rigorous training programme that equips guides with skills like public speaking and customer service, helping them regain confidence and find new opportunities. From amusing anecdotes of early tours to the profound impact on both guides and tourists, this episode is a testament to the power of storytelling and community support. The conversation also touches on the broader issues of homelessness and the importance of community and mental well-being.
Zakia's passion for sustainable tourism and community development shines through as she talks about the challenges and triumphs of running such an impactful organisation. By the end of the episode, you'll have a deeper understanding of how something as simple as a walking tour can make a significant difference in people's lives. Why should you listen?
Because this episode not only highlights the resilience and potential of individuals who've faced homelessness but also challenges you to see your city through a new lens. So, are you ready to go beyond the postcard and explore the hidden stories that make our communities truly special?