Homeless: the human cost of austerity

LJMU’s Public Health Institute and Library Services hosted an art exhibition to raise awareness of issues faced by homeless people in the city.

‘Homeless: the human cost of austerity’ is curated by Senior Researcher Amanda Marie Atkinson, who is also a local artist and a volunteer for the Real Love street team.

Real Love provides outreach to those living on the city’s streets and in temporary accommodation. Amanda also volunteers at The Homeless Period Liverpool, which provides feminine hygiene products to homeless and vulnerable women across Merseyside.

Inspired by Amanda’s voluntary work and the research of the Public Health Institute into the lived experiences of vulnerable groups such as the homeless, the exhibition was a collaboration between the Public Health Institute, artist studios and local community groups.

It showcased various art in the form of sculpture, illustration, installation, film, photography by local and national artists and researchers, with the aim of drawing attention to rising levels of homelessness across the UK. 

An accompanying seminar featuring speakers from leading homeless charities and LJMU discussed the importance of working together in addressing the needs of homeless people in the city, and the importance of charitable donations and outreach work in responding to the rising levels of homelessness.