Matt Wigley – Outreach Worker

An interview with Matt Wigley – Outreach Worker at West Yorkshire Street Outreach Service

Tell us about your background

When I was younger a friend of mine was made homeless through circumstances out of his control. I think that was the first time I became aware of the societal and individual social factors that affect someone’s life and can create challenges that impact their future prospects.

I did some volunteering at a homeless shelter, then went on to study Sociology and Psychology at University. I wrote my Master’s dissertation on homelessness in Leeds, while also doing some part-time jobs working with entrenched rough sleepers. After that I was fortunate to be able to put my learning and experience to good use, joining the Leeds Street Outreach service as an outreach worker. I’ve been working at the service for 18 months now.

Read the full interview at www.changegrowlive.org