JUDY’S GRENFELL HEARTBREAK
Children who were affected by the Grenfell Tower fire are to take part in Channel 4’s Alternative Christmas Message.
Some of the kids who saw their homes go up in flames and escaped while others lost their lives will speak of the impact of that dreadful tragedy.
Megan Gomes, who is just 10, says: “I think all families, children and parents should have a nice, warm, cosy home. I just want everyone in the world to have a house at least.”
Hayam Atmani, 10, will spend Christmas in the hotel where her family is still living.
“It’s not that much fun,” she says. “My message for everyone at Christmas is to stay as a family, and don’t suffer about anything.” Isn’t that heart-breaking? Megan escaped with her family from the 21st floor of Grenfell Tower. Hayam was on the 15th floor.
The fire was back in June. It was recently reported that four fifths of those affected by that awful tragedy have yet to be found a permanent home. I just think that’s unforgiveable. I know there is a housing problem in London and there is probably a lot going on behind the scenes, but surely they can find somewhere that is safe, warm and comfortable for these people. They have already been through a horrific experience. Six months is a long time to live in a hotel or temporary accommodation. And you can only imagine how the fire has affected the survivors.
Beinazir Lasharie, deputy mayor of Kensington, who lives on the Grenfell Estate, says she is depressed by both the fire and everything that has happened afterwards.
That is hardly surprising. She says it’s taboo to talk about depression, but has bravely spoken about her own experience to help others.
Mental health services in the area have agreed that it’s not great for the survivors to be living in hotels and temporary accommodation.
Recovering from the sights and sounds they saw that night will be hard enough for the survivors.
For those children in the Alternative Christmas Message and the others, you can only imagine what they are going through.
The whole issue of homelessness is never far from the headlines.
The recent big sleepout in Edinburgh did much to raise awareness and money.
But when you read that a vending machine for homeless people has just been installed in Nottingham, selling things like socks and tampons, you realise this is a widespread and long-term issue.
It’s absolutely heartbreaking. And always heightened at this time of year.
Surely they can find somewhere safe and warm for these people to live?