Lost but Not Defeated: How I Escaped My Abusers and Reclaimed My Life
I was only sixteen when everything fell apart. For as long as I could remember, home was a scary place. My stepdad was always angry,
Revealling the hidden impacts of living without a home
The HIDDEN project is a powerful response to the growing issue of homelessness in the UK, where thousands of people face the harsh reality of living without stable shelter. Homelessness in the UK has been on the rise, driven by factors such as housing shortages, economic hardship, and social issues like mental health and addiction.
Through the project, we investigate the underlying reasons why individuals and families find themselves without a home. This includes systemic issues like the lack of affordable housing, welfare cuts, and the breakdown of family structures. By understanding these root causes, we aim to shed light on the complexities that contribute to homelessness, helping to challenge the often oversimplified perceptions that exist in society.
We also focus on the impact and devastating effects of homelessness on individuals and communities. Homelessness is more than just the absence of a home; it leads to social exclusion, health deterioration, and a cycle of poverty that can be difficult to escape. By highlighting these impacts, we seek to foster empathy and understanding, encouraging people to see the humanity behind the statistics.
Finding hope during homelessness is perhaps the most uplifting aspect of the project, where we share stories of resilience and recovery. These are the narratives of individuals who, despite facing significant challenges, have found the strength to rebuild their lives. This part of the project underscores the importance of support systems—be it through charities, local councils, or community initiatives—in helping people overcome homelessness.
All of these aspects gives a voice to those who have experienced homelessness firsthand. By sharing their personal stories, we aim to humanise the issue, moving beyond the stereotypes and showcasing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of those affected. These stories are shared through exhibitions and publications, offering a platform for individuals to be seen and heard.
Homelessness in the UK is a complex and multifaceted issue, but through the HIDDEN project, we are committed to raising awareness, challenging perceptions, and inspiring action. By working together with local organisations and communities, we believe we can make a difference in the lives of those who are too often hidden from view.
Collaboration is essential to the HIDDEN project. We partner with numerous charitable organisations to amplify our impact. These partnerships are crucial in supporting survivors and promoting community education. By working together, we ensure a broader reach and more effective awareness campaigns, enhancing our educational goals and providing direct support to those affected by homelessness.
The HIDDEN project is still ongoing, and we are actively working on the next phases. Our current focus is on capturing stories and comments about what brought hope to individuals while facing homelessness. By gathering these narratives, we aim to highlight sources of resilience and strength, offering further support and inspiration to those affected by living without a place they can call home.
I was only sixteen when everything fell apart. For as long as I could remember, home was a scary place. My stepdad was always angry,
I never thought homelessness would be my reality. No one dreams about ending up on the streets, but there I was. It all started with
Before I got struck down by ME, I was doing alright for myself as a management accountant. I’d worked my way up, was a postgraduate
I was only sixteen when everything fell apart. For as long as I could remember, home was a scary place. My stepdad was always angry,
I never thought homelessness would be my reality. No one dreams about ending up on the streets, but there I was. It all started with
Before I got struck down by ME, I was doing alright for myself as a management accountant. I’d worked my way up, was a postgraduate
My name is John, and I’ll be 54 next month. I’ve lived in Hatfield since 1972, and I’ve been homeless since 2015. No one chooses
I am a bricklayer by trade, and I’ve been dealing with drug addiction for most of my life. For a long time, I managed to
My name is James, and I’m 56 years old. Football has always been a passion of mine, and I’ve been a loyal Arsenal supporter for
The most challenging time in my life was when I was adopted. I didn’t get fed properly, didn’t have haircuts, and there was no one
A year ago, I faced a major turning point in my life when I lost my job. For six years, I had worked in a
My name is Mark, and I’m 47 years old. I’m currently living in a house that I managed to secure on my own. Along the
I’m 33, turning 34 this year. I’m a recovering addict, now in my fifth year of sobriety. About 15 years ago, I lost my flat
We are delighted to announce an upcoming collaboration with First People Housing CIC, an organisation dedicated to supporting individuals facing homelessness, substance misuse recovery, and
The Christopher James Hall Foundation is the trading name of The Narrators Lens CIO. Our foundation is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and empathetic society by empowering individuals through the transformative power of photography.
Registered Company No.: 13948827
Registered Charity No.: (coming soon)
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