Through our eyes

Through Our Eyes is a new participatory photography exhibition that gives a powerful glimpse into life on the streets of Middlesbrough.  

Whether you’re visiting our exhibition at Middlesbrough Station, have read about it locally, or are interested in learning more about our homelessness services in the area, this page brings together the stories behind the work and highlights the support we deliver in Middlesbrough.

The images were created by people with lived experience of homelessness in Middlesbrough, and all of the participants are regular visitors to our drop-in centre or are currently housed by us.

Through Our Eyes

Through Our Eyes is now on display at Middlesbrough Train Station. Four people experiencing or moving on from rough sleeping used disposable cameras to capture their everyday lives from their own perspective. By sharing their images and stories, we hope to encourage understanding, challenge stereotypes, and start conversations about homelessness in our communities. The exhibition will be part of  Middlesbrough Storytelling Festival (24-28 June)

Below is a selection of images from the exhibition.

Image a of a tent behind a fence
This is what you do to get in and out of your tent. You climb a fence to get that extra protection to feel safe. Mark, aged65
That was a brand new tent, l’d had for two days. I have been homeless for four and a half years now and l would just like for people to leave me alone . I am no threat to anyone, l don’t do any damage, l keep myself to myself, but people just ruin my tent for a laugh because they think it’s funny. Malcom, aged 63
Ever since l was a child, l have always listened to music or played music because it has always been the one thing that focuses my thoughts. It keeps me away from the darkness, takes away all my anxiety and paranoia. Stephen, aged 38, now living in Depaul accommodation
It was a happy moment, really, we were happy. We had somewhere after roughly six years of being on the streets. Michael, aged 55

Our work in Middlesbrough

We work to prevent homelessness and support people experiencing housing insecurity to build safer, more stable futures.

Many of the people we work with are facing multiple challenges at the same time. Alongside homelessness or housing insecurity, they may be experiencing poor mental health, substance use issues, trauma, loneliness, or a lack of consistent support from family and friends. These challenges are often interconnected and can make moving forward particularly difficult. 

That’s why our work focuses not only on immediate needs, but also on building trusted relationships over time. We recognise that recovery and progress are rarely straightforward, and we support people to move at a pace that works for them. Through practical support, accommodation and trusted relationships, we can help people experiencing homelessness take positive steps forward and work towards lasting change.

Positive Pathways 

Our Positive Pathways drop-in service in central Middlesbrough is open to everyone. It provides a welcoming space where people can get a cup of tea and a rest from the streets. We also provide help with housing, benefits advice, access to substance use and mental health services – and sometimes we’re just a friendly face to chat to.   

Supported Accommodation 

We provide 14 supported flats, offering safe, high-quality, long-term homes for people who need stability and support. Residents receive personalised, wraparound support to help them rebuild confidence, develop independence and work towards their own goals for the future. 

Nightstop 

Through Nightstop, we provide emergency accommodation in the homes of trained and vetted volunteers for people assessed as low risk. This offers immediate safety from homelessness when it is needed most and can be an important first step towards longer-term support and stability.  

 

The difference support can make 

Our support helps ensure people experiencing homelessness in Middlesbrough can access a safe space, accommodation, practical support, and pathways towards stability. If this exhibition has made you think and reflect, please consider supporting our work.

Support our work

Your donation helps us support people experiencing homelessness and create lasting change in the local community.

Donate today