Reflections on 2018

In the last month, the BBC has aired its documentary exploring the rise of notions of ‘fake homelessness’ and punishment-led crackdowns on begging. Unhelpful notions of ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving’ poor, with their roots in the Poor Laws of the 1600s seem to have increased as the levels of homelessness continue to rise….

We have witnessed these discussions in our events and exhibitions throughout 2018. Arguments like these serve as a distraction and prevent society from taking action on the sharply unacceptable rising levels of inequality.

Shelter’s latest figures show unprecedented levels of homelessness and dedicated work by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism confirms the tragic and unnecessary human cost of this  devastating crisis. This is a situation we are sadly all too aware of in our day to day work.

It’s in this climate that we release our annual year in pictures, a snapshot of our work that has taken place across the UK from the streets, to day centres, disused railway stations and major art galleries. It’s been a year where we’ve campaigned, being involved in direct action on the streets of London during the beast from the east in March and launched our first ever campaign training programme for people who have experienced homelessness.

Our latest exhibition project and film Objectified has also sought to go further, revealing the science behind people become dehumanised and through working with artists like David Tovey we have continued to support talented people with experience of homelessness to make challenging and ambitious art.

We’d like to thank everyone who has supported us in 2018 and as we continue to raise awareness, tackle inequality and make a positive contribution to society.

The fight will continue in 2019.

Please download our year in pictures here.