INSP turns 30
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The International Network of Street Papers (INSP) celebrated its 30th anniversary in Glasgow this November with a special event and exhibition in the city’s Clayton Hotel.
As the membership organisation and the news service that supports all street paper enterprises globally, INSP represents 92 organisations in 35 countries, with a collective ambition of tackling homelessness and poverty.
Part of the journalistic ethos of INSP is about changing perceptions and addressing misrepresentation of people experiencing homelessness, which is seen too often in the media and in wider public narrative. The event therefore aimed to bring together social enterprises and creative agencies who are working in different ways to, as the event put it, “change the narrative on homelessness and poverty”.
The event was attended by social enterprises, charities, academics, activists and other interested parties, who spent the evening browsing an exhibition of street paper artworks, hearing about the impact of street papers and listening to author readings, as well as taking part in a special virtual reality experience.
Mike Findlay-Agnew, Chief Executive at INSP, explains: “We have been around for 30 years as a network, making an impact not just here in Scotland and the UK but globally, where our social network is working in the fight against homelessness and poverty. It’s fair to say that we punch below our weight in terms of profile in Scotland, hence the reason for running this event. I was keen to include partner social enterprises in our celebration, which was why other inspiring organisations were represented. This seems fitting given the inclusive and collaborative nature of what street papers do.”
Impact of street papers
Selection of street papers from across the world. Images by Jack Donaghy Photography
Guests first heard from Paddi from Glasgow, who explained the personal impact that selling The Big Issue has had on his life.
Mel Young, Founder of both INSP and the Homeless World Cup, provided some anecdotes about how INSP was first founded and how this set the stage for other organisations to be established. “If there hadn’t been an International Network of Street Papers, there wouldn’t have been a Homeless World Cup,” he said.
Paul McNamee, Editor of The Big Issue, gave a fitting speech about the importance of consuming and reading street paper news, and how they are championing often unheard voices.
Two international guests joined: Sarah Britz, Editor in Chief at Swedish street paper Faktum and Chair of the INSP board, who gave her personal account of what inspired her to move from a senior post within a national news print organisation to work for her local street paper; and Viggo Mastad from Norwegian street paper =Oslo and Treasurer to INSP gave a passionate talk about the significance of INSP being headquartered in Glasgow.
George Wright from Big Issue North in Manchester explained more about the street paper ethos and introduced guests to the wider work that street papers are doing provide frontline services to people experiencing poverty.
Brontë Schiltz, INSP News Editor, then discussed the types of news stories that are covered within street papers and within the INSP’s News Service – which sends out around 500 stories per year to all street paper news desks.
Singer Callum Beattie uses Virtual Reality experience. Picture by Jack Donaghy Photography
Streets of Change
Moving on from street papers, guests heard from Judi Alston, CEO of the One to One Development Trust, who introduced the Streets of Change Virtual Reality film and immersive experience about homelessness. People attending were invited to take part in the virtual reality experience.
One attendee, Darren Osborne, Founding Director at Braw Talent Agency, described the experience as “authentic powerful storytelling told in a very creative way,” adding, “I haven’t experienced something this emotive on VR before.”
Launch of new International Homelessness Tartan
Glasgow-based Slanj Kilts exhibited their clothing brand and other merchandise. Calum Grant from Slanj explained what had inspired them to create the homeless tartan – which was famously worn by Scotland’s former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during lockdown.
Slanj also announced the launch of a new international homelessness tartan, inspired by the work of the street paper movement, which will be used to create new clothes and merchandise to be sold globally in support of raising funds for INSP.
Arkbound Foundation
Book publisher and social enterprise, the Arkbound Foundation, also exhibited at the event.
Romy St John from Arkbound explained the charity’s aims to widen access to literature and improve diversity within book publishing.
Two Glasgow-based authors from Arkbound read some of their work: John McGlade read from Invisible Schemes, a biting satire that shines a light on the marginalised working class, and Shane Johnstone read from Govanhill Mythology, a poetry collection from one of Glasgow’s most diverse communities.
Trainspotting creator wishes INSP well
Renowned Scottish author and creator of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh, provided a pre-recorded video message to guests, backing the changing the narrative concept: “[INSP and street papers] are still independent media in the increasingly corporate world we live in. It’s still a grassroots organisation.
“Please continue to support your street papers. It’s a difficult and challenging time, but they are absolutely fabulous, and I support this initiative.”
Scottish singer and song writer Callum Beattie
Singer Callum Beattie with INSP CEO Mike Findlay-Agnew. Picture by Jack Donaghy Photography
To round off the evening, Scottish singer and song writer Callum Beattie gave an outstanding and thought-provoking performance. Beattie has been releasing music since 2017, and his second album, VANDALS, reached number one on the iTunes chart. Beattie recently won the “Forth Best Artist Award” at the Forth Awards in Edinburgh.
Beattie’s performance was interspersed with his own personal stories of hardship. The performer has supported raised thousands of pounds to support multiple charities over the last few years.
What next?
INSP is working on a project that will enable it to work directly with people with direct experience of homelessness and poverty, providing them with training in writing and journalistic practice with a view to them publishing their stories on the INSP’s global newswire.
Mike Findlay-Agnew comments: “We have had some fantastic feedback from the event so far, which goes to show that there is some appetite in Scotland for what we are doing and the broader theme of changing the narrative. With our new project to launch in the new year, I am keen to hear from any individuals or organisations who want to get involved and feel passionately about trying to get a better narrative out around homelessness and poverty.”
Anyone interested in the Changing the narrative on homelessness & poverty project should contact Mike Findlay-Agnew directly.
