A new public art project launched by the charity St Mungo's is transforming perceptions of homelessness by immortalising the stories of former rough sleepers in vibrant murals across the UK. The installations, located in Bethnal Green (London), Bristol, and Reading, aim to foster empathy and understanding by showcasing the personal journeys of individuals who have been supported out of rough sleeping.
One of the featured individuals is Lee, 54, whose experience of rough sleeping in London is depicted in a graffiti-style mural in Bethnal Green. Lee, who now volunteers for St Mungo's and leads creative writing classes, recalls the harsh realities of life on the streets before an outreach worker from the charity offered him crucial support. His mural, which features musical notes, a shamrock, and the poignant words 'Lee was here', integrates a QR code allowing passersby to listen to his narrated story.
The project, which also features the stories of Tamika, Ray, and Lawretta, comes at a critical time for homelessness in the UK. Recent figures show that rough sleeping numbers have risen to 4,793, marking the highest recorded level. St Mungo's reports that 77% of the individuals it helped off the streets last year did not return to rough sleeping, highlighting the effectiveness of targeted support.
Emma Haddad, Chief Executive of St Mungo's, emphasised the importance of the murals in encouraging public engagement. She stated that the art installations prompt people to 'stop and look and listen', underscoring that 'recovery is possible, hope is possible, and support plays a fundamental role in that'. Haddad also noted that such awareness campaigns are particularly vital during the summer months, as increasingly frequent heatwaves present life-threatening dangers for those living on the streets.
The launch of the murals coincided with a significant national announcement. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, in his first address, pledged an additional £340 million towards ending rough sleeping across the UK. This commitment has been welcomed by charities like St Mungo's, with Haddad noting the Prime Minister's understanding of the issue, citing his previous efforts as Mayor of Greater Manchester where rough sleeping numbers saw a notable reduction between 2017 and 2021, though an increase was reported in 2025.
Lee, reflecting on the Prime Minister's pledge, expressed optimism. He acknowledged that 'completely eliminating rough sleeping seems like a massive and impossible task' but believes that 'impossible things are possible'. He added, 'How we treat the weakest, the most vulnerable members of our society, people who are literally overlooked, does demonstrate who we are at our heart as a people.'