A new podcast has been launched by people with lived experience of homelessness.
It's the idea of residents of independent Cornish charity St Petrocs which is dedicated to ending homelessness. The charity takes its name from a Celtic saint who arrived at Padstow and, finding nowhere to stay, walked from Padstow to Fowey looking for shelter - but no one gave him a place to stay. Locally, he has become known as the patron saint of people who find themselves without a home.
'No Place to Call Home : A St Petrocs Podcast' explores the reality of homelessness and is led by four people who have been supported by the charity. They share their experience of sleeping outside in winter, the harsh realities of being on the streets and how society can come together to support people experiencing homelessness. The aim of the podcast is to raise awareness of the realities and dangers of sleeping outside in the coldest months of the year.
The four came up with the idea after taking part in the charity's Vocational Development Programme. They learned how to record podcasts in a session with Screen Skills Cornwall as well as video skills.
Natalie, who hosts the podcast said:
"I'm so proud of this... I feel that it’s highlighting so many issues in an accessible way. It has been eye-opening to hear the impact of St Petrocs' Winter Services. My biggest hope for the podcast is that it helps listeners really understand our message, that kindness costs nothing. Long term, I hope that we achieve our goal in removing stereotypes and start building a kinder, fairer mindset in the world"
Josie Johnson, Vocational Development Programme Officer, shared:
“Creating a podcast has been such a positive experience for our residents involved, as it has given them a space to be able to take control and share their thoughts on their experiences. It has brought excitement and passion into a project that residents and staff can work on together. Everyone involved has put so much hard work and effort into the podcast. I am very, very proud of all involved.”
In October 2024, St Petrocs worked with 206 people experiencing homelessness through their resource centres and outreach teams, with 112 of them forced to sleep outdoors, and others sofa surfing and experiencing other forms of hidden homelessness. Despite these challenges, St Petrocs successfully helped 51 people into stable accommodation in October, providing them with safety, stability, and a pathway to a better future. Currently, all of St Petrocs’ 165 rooms are fully occupied, highlighting the overwhelming demand for services and the urgency of addressing this crisis.
You can find out more about St Petrocs and its Winter Appeal at www.stpetrocs.org.uk
'No Place to Call Home : A St Petrocs Podcast' is available to listen to on Spotify, Youtube and other podcast providers.