#MentalMovement will be taking time out of the office on Wednesday 23rd March to support an exhibition of photography by homeless people in Kingston Upon Thames.
The exhibition, due to be mounted at the Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East on Wednesday, will offer an invaluable perspective of homelessness in the borough. At #MentalMovement, homelessness, modern and hidden homelessness is something we are eager to shout about, especially considering the parallels between homelessness and Mental Illness; it’s super important to us.
We also feel quite refreshed to learn of such an exhibition taking place in Kingston and we really do believe it will open some very important conversations as well as raise the profile of some of the most vulnerable in our communities. The series of photographs will be exhibited alongside stories of those experiencing homelessness in the borough at present, providing true insight into a world we are often so quick to dismiss.
Stephen Hardisty, manager of Healthwatch Kingston Upon Thames, said of the event “This is the first of a series of events which will run throughout 2016, capturing perspectives from communities and groups whose voices are often not heard in traditional democratic and consultative processes”.
The exhibition draws on input from homeless people supported by local charities such as Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness and the Joel Project. Tony Williams, from local community organisation RISE said “We need decision makers and opinion formers to realise that community can be an answer to social problems and not a problem to be solved; and unless the consumers of public services are actively involved in their development there is little chance they will be fit for purpose.”
Admission is free, between 1:30pm and 3:30pm.
Healthwatch Kingston
Kingston Quaker Centre
Fairfield East
Kingston
Surrey KT1 2PT
For more information please visit Healthwatch Kingston Upon Thames.
