Podcast shares reality of homelessness in Cornwall
St Petrocs have released the podcast after the launch of their Winter Appeal
A podcast has launched to shine a light on the reality of homelessness.
Cornwall homelessness charity St Petrocs have launched the special episode to share the stories of people with lived experience of sleeping rough.
It comes after the launch of their Winter Appeal this month which revealed a rise in people coming to them for support each year.
St Petrocs’ Vocational Development Programme supported residents to create the 'No Place to Call Home' podcast after an educational session with Screen Skills Cornwall, when their residents learnt skills to record podcasts and video.
The episode is led by four St Petrocs residents, who share experiences of sleeping outside in winter, the harsh realities of homelessness, and how society can come together to support people experiencing homelessness. The aim of the podcast is to raise awareness of the realities and dangers of sleeping outside in the coldest months of the year, and help people to understand how crucial St Petrocs Winter Services are to people in Cornwall.
Josie Johnson, Vocational Development Programme Officer, said: "Creating a podcast has been such a positive experience for our residents involved, as it has given them a space to be able to take control and share their thoughts on their experiences. It has brought excitement and passion into a project that residents and staff can work on together. Everyone involved has put so much hard work and effort into the podcast. I am very, very proud of all involved.”
Natalie, a resident of St Petrocs who hosts this episode, added: "I'm so proud of this podcast, I feel that it’s highlighting so many issues in an accessible way. It has been eye-opening to hear the impact of St Petrocs Winter Services. My biggest hope for the podcast is that it helps listeners really understand our message, that kindness costs nothing. Long term, I hope that we achieve our goal in removing stereotypes and start building a kinder, fairer mindset in the world"
This podcast was funded by The Vocational Development Programme, through The People Hub project. The People Hub project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as a Lead Authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
You can find out more about St Petrocs' Winter Appeal and Services on their website.