Helen Munro BerrySouth West
BBCA touring installation documenting the stories of homeless people in Devon and Cornwall is touring the counties.
The Methodist Church said its Let’s Face It! exhibition used audio and posters to invite visitors to engage with the realities of individuals facing housing instability.
YMCA Cornwall, which supports young people at risk of homelessness, raised £157,000 with its recent housing campaign aiming to offer more accommodation to young people in difficult circumstances.
Volunteer Nicholas Carter said he was put in care at about 11 years old and was then homeless for many years. He said the installation was important to show others what those without a home went through.
He said: “I was in numerous foster placements, then I was moved into a children’s home and that’s when my issues started.
“I think the display is bringing good awareness to people who are homeless in the South West and homelessness in general.”
Helen Pearce, the social justice coordinator for the South West Peninsular Methodist District, said discussing the issues were vital.
She said: “It’s intended to cause people to think about how easy and swiftly any one of us could actually be homeless ourselves.
“It also tells the lived experience of how difficult it is to get out of this situation.
“It provides hope, ideas and options about what individuals can do to help as people journey out of their current position.”
The display can be seen at:
- Helston Methodist Church, Cornwall, until 30 October
- Truro Methodist Church, Cornwall, from 1 to 6 November
- The Mint Methodist Church in Exeter, Devon, from 8 to 13 November
- The Royal Lyceum Theatre in Torquay, Devon, from 22 to 27 November
- Sherwell United Church in Plymouth, Devon, from 29 November to 4 December
