A new mixed-media exhibition by Sheffield-based homeless charity, The Archer Project, is set to take place at Sheffield Cathedral between 21st-30th September. ‘Handle With Care’ aims to give survivors of trauma a platform to share their stories on the battles of daily homelessness. Several poignant photographs used at the exhibition feature people who have previously used or currently use the charity’s services.
The Archer Project seeks to change the narrative behind homelessness, aiming to educate others on their belief that trauma is the biggest cause of street homelessness. With many behaviours from the homeless community traditionally labelled as negative or violent, The Archer Project determines this originates from people striving to survive in a world in which the only constant is rejection.
Jo Leeming: “I wanted to tell my story so that I can help young girls who are facing homelessness and domestic violence. Not only for them but also for all of those who face abuse whilst being homeless, I suffered it for four years and what a relief it was when I first got my flat.”
Handle With Care will also feature interactive elements, such as a board where members of the public are encouraged to write down how they cope with trauma, a video viewing room, and one room featuring a poem depicting trauma and homelessness playing on loop by poet Chris Lynam. Lynam has recently featured on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Behind the Crime’, where he opened up about his life and prison experiences.
Tim Renshaw, CEO of the charity, said of the event: ‘We see people on the street and respond with sympathy on some occasions or with judgement about their behavior on other occasions, but seldom do we think that this is a person whose life choices have been profoundly affected by trauma. Handle With Care aims to open up dialogue around the links between trauma and homelessness.’
Pictured: Simon, who has previously used The Archer Project’s services.
For more information on The Archer Project, click here.
