Thaddeus Pope Documentary Photography

Documentary Photographer and Photojournalist based in Japan

Homelessness in the UK

Homelessness in the UK by Thaddeus Pope
DOCUMENTARY

Homelessness in the UK

Photography by Thaddeus Pope

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In 2003, when I was nineteen, I set out to create a photographic documentary on rough-sleeping homelessness in Brighton, England. The issue of homelessness was something I felt compelled to explore, driven by my sympathy for the challenges faced by people living on the streets. I was deeply disturbed that so many individuals in my hometown were being forced to sleep rough, marginalized, and seemingly forgotten by society. I wanted to create a photo essay that not only portrayed their struggles with compassion and honesty but also helped reignite public awareness of this pressing issue. The following text draws from my notes made during that period.

Rough Sleeping Homelessness in Brighton

It seems that society has grown desensitized to the plight of homeless people. Too often, their presence is met with indifference or disdain, as many simply look the other way and pretend these marginalized individuals do not exist. This apathy may stem from the perception that many rough-sleeping homeless individuals are struggling with addiction. When people are labeled as “drunkards” or “druggies,” society tends to view their situation as self-inflicted and undeserving of empathy or help. As a result, the sight of someone bedding down in a doorway or asking for change on a street corner fails to elicit the compassion and concern it should.

The abundance of distant, impersonal images of homeless people sleeping in doorways or on park benches shared online only reinforces stereotypes. These types of photographs do little to convey the humanity of those they depict or the daily struggles they endure. I wanted to avoid such imagery and instead focus on creating intimate, respectful portraits that would foster a sense of connection. Homeless people aren’t dangerous animals to be photographed from afar; they are human beings experiencing severe hardship who need our support and understanding.

Homelessness can happen for many reasons, but it disproportionately affects those from vulnerable, socially excluded backgrounds with limited support networks. According to research by Shelter, homelessness is rarely the result of a single event. It usually arises from a complex interplay of personal, social, and structural factors—many of which are beyond the individual’s control. These factors build up over time until a crisis point is reached, forcing a person into homelessness.

The three most common reasons given by applicants to local councils for losing a settled home are: family or friends being unwilling or unable to provide further accommodation; relationship breakdowns, including domestic violence; and the loss of an assured shorthold tenancy. However, these are merely the tipping points that push people to seek assistance and not the root causes of homelessness.

Other contributing factors often include relationship breakdowns, lack of qualifications, inadequate social support, issues with benefit payments, debt (especially rent or mortgage arrears), eviction, poor physical or mental health, substance misuse, early involvement in crime, family disputes, experiences of abuse in childhood, parents with addiction problems, a history of family homelessness, or coming from an institutional background such as care, the armed forces, or prison.

With these complexities in mind, I sought to connect with several rough-sleeping homeless individuals in Brighton, meeting with them regularly and documenting their experiences. I am particularly grateful to Robert, Silva, and Mad Dog, who generously shared their time and stories with me. Their openness and trust made this project possible.

Some names have been changed at their request to preserve anonymity.

All Images © Thaddeus Pope. All rights reserved.

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Homelessness in the UK by Thaddeus Pope
After reminiscing about a business he used to manage before becoming homeless, Rob sits quietly and briefly closes his eyes. Now in his 40’s, Rob has been sleeping rough for several years and suffers from alcoholism.
Homelessness in the UK by Thaddeus Pope
Rob waits with a female friend for the Social Security office to open. After becoming pregnant while living on the streets, her family have allowed her to return home while she goes through detox and prepares to have her baby.
Homelessness in the UK by Thaddeus Pope
Old friends, Rob and ‘Mad Dog’ meet by chance in the street. Though they hadn’t seen each other in over a year, the two men had previously known each other from sleeping rough in Oxford.
Homelessness in the UK by Thaddeus Pope
While sharing a drink, Rob and Mad Dog talk about how they used to look after each other while living rough on the streets of Oxford.
Homelessness in the UK by Thaddeus Pope
Having spent most of the day drinking, Rob falls asleep in the waiting room of the Social Security office in Brighton.
Homelessness in the UK by Thaddeus Pope
After being kicked in the head while sleeping, Rob recently lost two of his front teeth – sadly, violence against rough sleeping homeless people is a fairly common occurrence in the UK.
Homelessness in the UK by Thaddeus Pope
Rob falls over while sharing a drink with his friend, Mickey.
Homelessness in the UK by Thaddeus Pope
Clarence says that he doesn’t have a drink or alcohol problem, but still can’t access the resources he needs to permanently move off the streets.
Homelessness in the UK by Thaddeus Pope
Frank stands in the doorway of a homeless outreach centre opposite the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.
Homelessness in the UK by Thaddeus Pope
Like many rough sleeping homeless people, Silva has a drug and alcohol problem, as well as mental health issues and learning difficulties.
Homelessness in the UK by Thaddeus Pope
Silva became homeless as a teenager. She is now in her early twenties. The previous night, Silva was hit in the head with a small hammer when she tried to steal from a crack dealer. Her hair was thickly matted with blood.
Homelessness in the UK by Thaddeus Pope
Silva kisses a friend on the cheek. Though she attends a homeless outreach centre on a daily basis, Silva finds it difficult to access the resources need to permanently move off the streets.
Thaddeus Pope Documentary Photographer Japan

Thaddeus Pope

Documentary Photographer

Based in Japan, Thaddeus Pope is a photographer, videographer and web/print designer with a passion for human-centred visual storytelling. He is available for assignments in Japan and around the world.

If you would like to get in touch, please use the contact form or email info@thadpope.com. Thaddeus can also be found on social media via the following links.