Humans of Leamington Spa

For our behaviour change project, we wanted to raise awareness about homelessness.

In particular, we wanted to stress the variety of reasons that can lead to homeless and show how those unfortunate events could happen to YOU. Firstly, we got in contact with the Salvation Army in Leamington Spa and started volunteering weekly at the homeless drop-ins. This was to establish a relationship with those living on the streets, as well as to investigate the opportunities available to help and support them.

After 7 months of volunteering, we managed to obtain several interviews with people who currently are or previously were homeless. They confided in us their life stories, the difficulties they face every day as well as the help they receive from the Salvation Army. We decided the most powerful tool for changing attitudes would be a video using images, statistics, music and testimonies. In our video we emphasised the contrast between living in ‘North’ Leamington, the wealthier part represented by consumer culture against the isolated, forgotten spaces where homeless people seek refuge.

Lauren Haynes, Laura Harris, Jane Wackett, Alexandra de Buchet, Emily Collins