Do you know what was one of the biggest failings was for me growing up? I mean to be fair, the list is pretty endless, and I am confident in saying that I was failed by many different agencies, individuals and family members time and time again. But one of the biggest failings for…
Author: outoftheshadows18
My name is Kendra Houseman. I have been involved with Gangs, Exploitation and CSE for over 26 years on many different levels. I am originally from South West London. A complicated background, living in an inner-city estate, and a lack of communication between adults are just some of the factors that lead to me having to make some life changing choices starting at the age of 11. These choices led to many consequences and created “Blondy” the name and person I was known as on the streets of SW London.
“You should write a book”….
Today someone said to me “Kendra, you should write a book”. This person, let’s call her Kat for arguments sake, Kat said this out of nowhere and I was speechless for a moment. I hate compliments at the best of times, but when I don’t know they are coming I really struggle. I mumbled “thanks”….
So, what does that make me?
In my work I have had many amazing things said to me and seen some amazing outcomes. People will often comment on the work I do and those I have worked with. It’s a privilege to see a young person succeed and know that I may have had a small part to play in…
How was your week…. really….
How has your week been…. really I very rarely cry. I learnt from a young age to suppress many emotions. I want to cry. When I see a sad film or hear sad news, I feel all the natural emotions that a person should. But I suppress them. Now, this is not something I am…
Never forget the “Child” in CSE
Child sexual exploitation Let me say that again Child Sexual Exploitation Child is the key word here for me. It saddens me that some adults have lost sight of the word “child”. When talking about children and young people exposed to CSE I am still hearing professionals use words such as “Flirty” “Promiscuous” and “Sleeps…
Me, My mum and Cancer: 10 years today
10 years today. Been up since 4 this morning. First, I wrote a letter to my mum. It always starts like that. Same since the first year. Week before, emotions all over the place but usually a lot of anger. I try and not feel angry but that’s what comes out. The day before I…
Our first podcast…check
One of the main reasons I started a blog was so people could come on the journey of Out of the Shadows with me and experience what it’s like to start a company. Starting my own company has been a lot harder than I thought it would be and sometimes personal issues can have…
“Children, please let my son be the last”
“Please let my son be the last” How many shootings/stabbings deaths this week? How many children shot at? How many parents lost a child this week? The above quote “Children, please let my son be the last” has come from the mother of 17-year-old Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton, who was Shot and killed last Sunday….
Me and my Dyslexia (Aged 38 1/4)
My Dyslexia (aged 38 ¼.) My son came to me yesterday. Said that he had seen my blog earlier that day. We chatted about of for a while, some of the more personal details. After, I went and sat in the garden to soak up some more sun. My son appears at the back…
Out of the Shadows 