Women in and around Leicester who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, homelessness are being invited to share their stories for a new creative project established to highlight the issue.
In a collaboration between De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), local charities in the Leicester Homelessness Charter, and ‘In Her Strength’ led by Vicky Moran, the project aims to bring together a group of women as they each develop an autobiographical monologue detailing their personal experience.
In Her Strength, a long-term theatre project providing creative opportunities for women with an experience of homelessness to make work and challenge stereotypes, will host weekly online workshops before recording the monologues that will then be shared online.
“Depictions of homelessness often focus on rough sleeping, but there are many forms of homelessness, such as living in a hostel or temporary accommodation, sleeping in vehicles or sheds, or sofa surfing at a friend or relative’s home – and it is often these more hidden forms of homelessness that affect women,” said Professor Jo Richardson, Professor of Housing and Social Inclusion, Co-chair of DMU Women and President of the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Professor Jo Richardson
“This project aims to amplify the voices of women with experience of homelessness in our city and to inform the public understanding of homelessness.”
In 2021, it was estimated that around 227,000 people were experiencing the worst forms of homelessness across England, Scotland and Wales.
“We believe everyone should be given the opportunity to share their experience,” said Claire Gilbert, producer of the project. “In Her Strength presents an opportunity for women to become part of a community who not only understand each other, but become their champions, long after any specific programme ends.
“Being part of In Her Strength in 2022 is a fantastic opportunity to empower & celebrate more women, especially in Leicester.”
“We hope to connect with women in Leicester who have real lived experiences to share,” added Professor Richardson. “We want to give them a voice and for them to be seen and heard.”
The project, funded by the Higher Education Innovation Fund, is open to anyone based in or around Leicester who identifies as female, has experience of homelessness in any of its multiple forms, and would be comfortable sharing their story.
Those chosen will need to be available from 1.30-2.30pm every Monday from 7th March to 11th April, to attend the weekly one-hour online workshops, as well as in person on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th May for recording their monologue. Attendees will receive £20 for every session they join.
To apply, women are asked to submit a short writing extract on any subject they like, as well as one line about their experience or risk of homelessness, to hello@inherstrength.co.uk by 8pm on Tuesday 22 February. (Any written art form is welcome, for example it could be a monologue, poem, short story or script). Participants will be informed if they have been chosen by Thursday 24th February.
As the project develops, the team will publish audio and video narrative performances and liaise with local theatre partners to develop a live performance production as a way of engaging the people of Leicester in a conversation about homelessness.
Previous examples of work created by In Her Strength can be found on the website here. For more information or to ask any questions, please email hello@inherstrength.co.uk
Posted on Friday 4 February 2022