THADDEUS POPE

Most people in the UK will never experience homelessness but, for those that do, homelessness can be a severely physically and emotionally damaging experience, which is extremely difficult to escape from. People become homeless for a wide variety of reasons, but homelessness is much more likely to affect people from marginal, vulnerable and socially excluded groups than those with economic capacity and strong social networks.

“The sight of a rough sleeper bedding down for the night in a shop doorway or on a park bench is one of the most potent symbols of social exclusion in Britain today.” (Tony Blair)

Although significant efforts have been made in recent years to reduce the numbers of rough sleepers in the UK, many rough sleepers still find it difficult to access the help and support they need to move off the streets permanently. The aim of this project, which is still in its infancy, is to provide valuable insights into the lives of rough sleepers, which will be useful to homeless service providers in assessing the needs of this vulnerable group. It will include an examination of the factors, which in the face of adversity, poverty and stress, enable some rough sleepers to navigate and overcome their environments and ultimately turn their lives around. I wish to draw attention not only to the plight of rough sleepers, but also to what they are capable of achieving when given the right tools and support. To explore this subject I have concentrated my efforts thus far on getting to know a small number of rough sleeping individuals in Brighton. Spending extended periods of time with these people has helped me understand their current situations and provided me with valuable insights into their daily lives.

This multimedia documentary about rough sleepers will be the first in a series of documentaries based on the subject of homelessness, which is an issue that extends far beyond sleeping rough. The objective of these documentaries, which will incorporate video, photography, text and audio, is to compel people to question the stereotypes associated with homelessness. Although, by its very nature, rough sleeping is the most obvious form of homelessness, it is far from the most common form of homelessness in the UK. The most common form of homelessness, by far, is often referred to as ‘hidden homelessness’. At present approximately 400,000 people, including many families, live in temporary accommodation, bed and breakfasts, squats, hostels, or sleep at friends. These homeless people, who are classified under the heading of ‘vulnerably housed’, are not visibly on the streets without a place to live, so their homelessness is hidden to most of us. This is a problem with massive economic implications, and severe social consequences, the seriousness of which will be felt for generations. My investigation will attempt to analyse the issues and look at the solutions. Unfortunately, the current recession is likely to cause more homelessness, and make it harder for already socially excluded people to rebuild their lives in ways that they value and regard as worthwhile.

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THADDEUS POPE

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+44 (0) 1869 250 792 tpope@thadpope.com

HOMELESS BRITAIN: PROJECT OVERVIEW

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