Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Housing

These photos taken by Oxford's homeless photographers show a hidden city

Charity Homeless Oxfordshire gave residents from its hostel and community properties disposable cameras to capture their own unique impression of the city

Homeless Oxfordshire

Homeless photographers have captured their side of Oxford in a photo exhibition that shows off the city from their unique perspectives.

The Homeless Oxfordshire project recently gave residents from their hostels or community properties disposable cameras to take snaps around the city.

And they came back with shots that ranged from the “hilarious” to the serious, while also showing themes like a focus on the word ‘home’, as well as rough sleeping spots.

The images have been turned into an exhibition called Below the Spires, which is currently running at The Jam Factory in the city.

Charlotte Matthews, Homeless Oxfordshire communications officer, has insisted that the project has been crucial in improving engagement between support staff and some of the charity’s residents.

“The photos are very clever and creative,” she told The Big Issue. “We find that projects like this allow our residents to take a break from worrying about being homeless.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

“Homelessness can be something that people are desensitised to but the photos show work from human beings who are creative, funny and clever.

“It was interesting to see how they saw the city because everyone thinks of Oxford as a university city but there is a real homelessness crisis here.”

An anonymous resident, who took part in the project, said: “I photographed different scenes and real-life situations that represent the sad but real life issue we have as a community here in Oxford city.

“Behind Oxford’s historical town, and day to day life, is a dark, depressing problem of men and women who live on the streets. My photos show just a small but real image of “The wonderful Oxford”.“

It’s your last chance to take a look at the photos up closes as the exhibition closes on Monday February 25. You can view some of the images in the gallery above.

Images: Homeless Oxfordshire

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

GIVE A GIFT THAT CHANGES A VENDOR'S LIFE THIS WINTER 🎁

For £36.99, help a vendor stay warm, earn an extra £520, and build a better future.
Grant, vendor

Recommended for you

View all
Rough sleeping in London hits new record high – showing 'normalised emergency' on capital's streets
a man sleeping rough on the street
Rough sleeping

Rough sleeping in London hits new record high – showing 'normalised emergency' on capital's streets

'It's outrageous': Renters face decade-long wait for new decent homes standard
a UK street with a blue sky
Renting

'It's outrageous': Renters face decade-long wait for new decent homes standard

'Bickering between neighbours' but cash saved: What Labour's ground rent cap really means
service charges, flats, UK
Housing

'Bickering between neighbours' but cash saved: What Labour's ground rent cap really means

Rents in UK are at record highs. Will they keep going up?
rents uk
Renting

Rents in UK are at record highs. Will they keep going up?