Oxford charity art exhibition calls on support for homeless people

The exhibition, called Through Our Eyes, also addresses the problem of rough sleeping

A charity has opened an art exhibition displaying work by people who have been impacted by homelessness.

Artists and staff who worked together on the project by Homeless Oxfordshire, called Through Our Eyes, described it as "therapeutic" and "really special".

Charity client engagement coordinator Claire Lawrence said she hoped it would help dispel misconceptions about homelessness.

The exhibition at Fusion Arts in Oxford will run until 7 March.

Charity chief executive Simon Hewett-Avison also called for more government investment in social housing.

Mental health nurse Victoria Kearney said the art workshops had given participants "a purpose"

One artist featured in the exhibition, Ryan Glynn, said he started his battle with drug addiction and homelessness more than 20 years ago.

"I feel like my life has just been from one addiction to another," he said.

Mr Glynn created two collages that represent his recovery process and goals for the future.

"It was quite spontaneous," he said, adding: "I really enjoyed it, it was very therapeutic."

Verity Wootton, Homeless Oxfordshire's complex needs team manager, was in charge of co-ordinating the creation of a huge mural that hangs in the gallery.

"A lot of the clients that took part just said that they felt really part of something," she said.

Featured artist Ryan Glynn created collages that represent his recovery process and future goals

Ms Lawrence said she had witnessed the discrimination homeless people faced in everyday interactions

"We're all people and they should be treated like any other people in life, treated with respect and given options to be able to flourish," she said.

Mr Hewett-Avison said he wanted to see a "long term commitment" from the next government to address the housing crisis.

"We have people who are ready to go into their own home but we cannot find accommodation, which also means that we struggle to provide support for people who are rough sleeping and who need that first level support," he said.

Labour councillor Linda Smith, cabinet member for housing, said she was pushing for Oxford City Council to allocate more than £1.6m for services such as "over 400 supported beds" and "access to food, showers, clothes".

The Department of Levelling Up said last month it had announced "a further £4 million to local authorities to help them with rough sleeping challenges typical to the winter period".

Homeless Oxfordshire chief executive Simon Hewett-Avison said it could not find accommodation for people who were ready to go into their own homes

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