"Beds Talks: Making Sense of Street Activities" with Azalea's Ruth Robb

On March 6th, the University of Bedfordshire hosted an important session titled “Beds Talks: Making Sense of Street Activities,” shedding light on complex social issues surrounding street activities like street sex work, public injecting, and rough sleeping. Azalea’s own Ruth Robb was among the panel of experts, adding a significant voice to the discussion, reflecting our commitment to addressing and understanding these pressing community concerns.

The event, expertly led by Dr. Sarah Wadd, Principal Research Fellow at the University, drew upon in-depth research involving interviews with over 90 individuals directly involved in street activities and more than 50 professionals working across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes. This research aims to unpack the realities of street life, strongly associated with addiction and homelessness, and its impact on both the individuals involved and the broader community.

Ruth Robb, representing Azalea, represented the guests who access Azalea’s services daily. The dialogue covered the intersection of community safety, health concerns, and the socio-economic factors often leading individuals to engage in these high-risk activities. The panel also tackled tough questions from the audience, such as the appropriate community response to begging, aiming to foster a more informed and compassionate approach to these challenges.

This event was not only a platform for presenting research but also served as a safe space for attendees to share their perspectives, ask probing questions, and connect with experts and community members alike. Azalea’s involvement in this talk underlines our dedication to bringing light to the hardships faced by marginalized communities and striving for solutions that respect the dignity of all individuals.

Watch the full session in the video below!