Bid to give better help to resident (From Evesham Journal)
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Bid to give better help to resident
1:00pm Saturday 11th February 2012 in News
JOURNAL readers have backed a campaign to help some of the Vale’s troubled residents.
Mike Andrews launched the campaign to help people in need of support, such as one of Pershore’s most well-known characters, Peter Swinbourne, after being inspired to reach out after reading about his frequent scrapes with the law. Known locally as Barney, Mr Swinbourne, aged 39, has been in and out of prison for many years.
Mr Andrews says this is because he is being let down by having no support system in place when he is released from prison, which leads to re-offending.
Now other local people have come forward to support Mr Andrews’ campaign, but he says he still requires support from officials who have the ability to put systems in place to support people in need.
Gill Spiers, of Bewdley Street, Evesham, has been in touch with Mr Andrews regarding his campaign.
Mrs Spiers said: “We have followed his gradual downfall with sadness. So many desperate people are on a treadmill of offending, and going to prison for a period of time, then being released only to re-offend again.
“We so desperately need a drop-in centre for Pershore and Evesham or a hostel where these needy people can go.”
Kevin Trapp, who lives off Woodward Road, Pershore, said: “I’m shocked to hear how this lad has been treated over the years. Questions need to be asked why this poor lad finds himself in trouble every time he’s released from prison. We all know, if this guy doesn’t receive help, it will be just a matter of time before he re-offends and the cycle will continue.”
Mike Andrews said: “I think the whole thing is bigger than Barney. I can’t walk away from it now but I am not sure how to go about helping Barney and others like him.”
To offer support to Mr Andrews, e-mail helpbarney@ hotmail.co.uk.
Comments(5)
stu2010
says...
10:37am Sun 12 Feb 12
pescorian
says...
7:54pm Sun 12 Feb 12
"String em up!!!!" ... That is a very unpleasant thing to say about somebody whose usual misdemeanor is drinking a can of cider on the "wrong" street". Barney is not a dishonest or violent man (granted, he can appear intimidating to those who don't know him) and he has never done anything to deserve what you just said.
Stu - I don't know where you were when you wrote what you did (in your bedroom? At work?) but you have just shared quite an unpleasant thought with a great many people.
Do you not think you should apologise? Or does it not matter what you say, because "it's only the internet"?
Chris and Ruth Smart
says...
2:37am Tue 14 Feb 12
As far as we're concerned, the lowlifes of this world are Paedophiles, Murderers, Rapists, those who commit Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse.
A hostel sounds a super idea.
Chris and Ruth Smart
says...
2:37am Tue 14 Feb 12
As far as we're concerned, the lowlifes of this world are Paedophiles, Murderers, Rapists, those who commit Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse.
A hostel sounds a super idea.
MAndrews says...
1:21pm Sat 11 Feb 12
iences and then set to work putting a plan together.
I can't emphasise enough that Barney has asked for help but the messages people are sending me are mostly along the lines that he's had some support but never sticks to anything. And that will be the main challenge - getting Barney to break out of this cycle.
It's daunting, but with so many people offering support I'm sure that as a group we can offer barney the best chance so far to move forward. And this applies to other people in his situation too.