| Description | This file contains annotated copies of recorded interviews. Whilst marked '38 - 44', it is missing transcripts 39 and 40.
Transcript 38 records interviews made at the Trinity Centre for the Homeless, in Bordesley, Birmingham. A young person from Tipton describes his experiences of drugs and crime, as wel as employment problems. A pensioner describes attending a special school and attitudes towards special education in his youth. He also refers to current discrimination in local public houses, through being resident at the Trinity Centre. Conditions within the Trinity Centre are described, and the extent to which camaraderie exists within the Centre. General and government attitudes towards homelessness are considered, as is the issue of begging for money.
Transcript 41 records interviews conducted at the Maypole Centre. Members of Druids Heath Neighbourhood Action Group, Birmingham consider the effect of a bad youth element on the wider youth and other residents of the area, and also the negative attitudes of the Council and police to the area. The impact of Thatcherism on society, the meaning of British identity and socialism are discussed. The need for adequate provision for youth worker services in the area is made. The role in past times of the Clarion Cycling Club and local sports societies, rambling clubs etc in offering opportunities for outlets whilst also providing a forum for engaging with older people is contrasted with the artiificial, post war generation gap that was promoted by consumer focused industries.
Transcript 41 also contains discussions of discrimination against politically active workers, including dismissals from Dunlop. The political and demographic composition of the Hall Green parliamentary constituency is also considered. The role of the Neighbourhood Action Group in countering an identified process of depoliticising local residents and community groups is examined. Comments on the political activities of local politicians are recorded. The current social mix within the local Labour Party is commented on. Current and porposed legislation on council housing and the Action Group's campaigns against it are discussed.
Transcript 41 also includes descriptions of residents being rehoused from inner city Birmingham to Druid's Heath and people's experiences of the new environment. Residents' dependence on external employers like Lucas [Marshall Lake Road, Shirley] is described, as is the impact on residents [particularly women] of the recent loss of such employers. The role of self help groups such as the Druids Heath Low Income Support Group is considered, and the government's Re-start programme is also assessed.
Transcript 42 continues this consideration of Druids Heath Low Income Support Group and the Re-start programme. Aspects of being young and unemployed are explored. Relations between, and attiudes of unemployed working class people and working class ciivil servants in social security & benefits services are discussed. Differing perceptions of being unemployed by older and younger people are also considered. Experiences of unemployed men and women are contrasted and 'young mothers' as a group are discussed. Peer group presssure on unemployed, young people is discussed as a possible cause of much anti-social behaviour. The impact of Thatcherism is considered, as is the labour movement response. There is also a discussion about the merits and characteristics of aspects of modern popular culture [music and clothing]
Transcripts 43 and 44 record interviews with nurses at Birmingham's General and Women's Hospitals. An insight to nursing training is given, together with staffng structures and practices within the NHS and changes to them over the preceding 10 - 15 years. Attiudes of nurses and other health service staff to political ideas and concerns are considered. |