Stories

A short time ago we looked up one of our street patients, a man who does not realize how seriously ill he is. On his back he had an enormous growth. His shirt stuck to his skin and to his oozing wound.

What touches and enriches me most as a social worker are moments of quiet togetherness. Of course, we must achieve our objectives, respect appointments, etc., but I prefer those moments when “nothing” happens between me and the patient.

This is the story of a patient I met during my first inspection round with Street Nurses. Mr. L. lives on the street. He misses a leg that had to be amputated in his country of origin after wrong medical treatment. He has a strong, friendly personality and is well liked by people around him.

What we experienced together was no more than a moment, just like that, gathered round a table. It was both nothing and everything. A moment that was strangely normal while we were sitting there, each on our own chair.

Mrs V. is currently staying in a shelter. Before that, her journey went through all imaginable highs and lows: from rest homes to hospitals, from living on the streets to shelters, and vice-versa - until finally, after several years, she was able to move back into her own home.

For quite some time now we’ve accompanied Ms. J., first when she still lived on the street and now in her own home. Although socially inclined, she also got us used to periods of complete silence. In such moments there is no point in even trying to see her.

Mister M. is someone with a lot of qualities – but far too often ignored or underestimated by the people around him. Just dig a bit deeper and you’ll find a smart and determined Mister M.

It’s now a few months ago that I started working at Street Nurses.

Whenever I mention this, I am often asked if my work is not too difficult.

The question puzzles me each time, and my answer is always the same: no, my work is not too difficult.

What a week! I must say that you made me feel very much alive with a cocktail of emotions: you made me laugh till I cried – but also severely tested my patience.

In this early spring, we have an appointment with Ms. V. We’ll accompany her to the hospital for an important examination. Her knee is getting much worse and she can hardly walk.

Being late is therefore out of the question.

Suzanne has lived on the streets of Brussels for 12 years. Thanks to intensive support from street nurses, and in collaboration with various other organisations, she now lives in a house since four years. She has just joined the "My Way" project.
 

Mr T.*, 65, lived isolated in a tent for years. Suffering from psychological problems, he was so disconnected from reality that his hygiene had become appalling. Moving with him was quite an epic journey because his smell was unbearable and his behaviour could be problematic. We were even told: "You will never be able to put him in housing".