Powerful film highlights impact of homelessness in Preston

Funded through the Commissioner’s Violence Against Women and Girls Fund, the film brings to life the challenges faced by women who experience homelessness and highlights the poor treatment and misconceptions they often face.

The screening brought together a wide range of local services who support or engage with homeless women in Preston and beyond with the aim of improving access to services and supporting women in a way that works for them.

Attendees also heard directly from women who received support from The Foxton and bravely shared their experiences of life on the streets and how the help they received has changed their life for the better.

Speaking after the screening, Commissioner Grunshaw said: “It is really moving to hear from local women who have experienced homelessness and had very traumatic experiences as part of that. The film really brings this to life and highlights how life can change in an instant and how people can end up homeless through all kinds of events or circumstances.

“We know that homelessness is closely linked to substance abuse, experience of violence and that many women, often through exploitation, are forced into sex work, living a life that makes it much harder to be heard and access support at a point when it is needed most.

“It’s important that services, including the police, treat everyone with dignity and respect and try to engage with people in ways that address their needs. The Foxton is a fantastic example of this, and the stories shared today clearly show how crucial this service has been for the women that have accessed support.

“To hear of the positive impact the service has had and the ways in which these women have been able to move forward with courage and conviction is truly inspiring.”

Cath Coffey, Chief Executive from The Foxton said: “Silent Voices gives women the space to be heard in their own words. Their courage in sharing such personal experiences is at the heart of this film, and we are incredibly grateful for their willingness to speak out and attend this event to share their voice in person. We hope this training will help professionals understand the reality of women’s lives on the streets and encourage services to respond with greater empathy, flexibility and humanity.”

The £5,000 investment to support this project forms part of a wider commitment, with the Commissioner’s VAWG Fund investing £177,000 into 38 projects designed to prevent violence, support survivors, and create safer communities for women and girls across Lancashire.

To learn more about the work of The Foxton, including their Big PNE Sleepout which will take place in March to raise funds, visit the foxton.org.