14 years of austerity left many feeling grateful simply not to be on the streets

A new series of short films – More Than One Story – exploring why people become homeless has been made by Cardboard Citizens, a charity that uses drama to transform the lives of those with lived experience of homelessness, in association with Black Apron Entertainment. Each film is written and performed by people who have experienced homelessness. Director Chris Sonnex was the driving force behind the series, and a piece he has written serves as a fitting finale. This Is What It Means is a rousing chorus for justice, fairness and change.

‘Change through narrative is evident’

The impact of narrative is profound and often underestimated. When addressing human crises, the focus typically shifts to essentials: food, shelter and health – the basic needs of survival. However, survival is also about communication, about telling your story. It’s about enabling others to understand what is happening. Unveiling truth.

Having experienced homelessness multiple times, it wasn’t until I began working with Cardboard Citizens that I uncovered a crucial part of my own story. This allowed me to understand who I was, the failures that shaped my trauma, and the resilience within me. I didn’t know that I had been living a book with the middle chapters torn out.

Knowing these aspects of oneself is crucial for healing and fighting for justice. Once you understand your story, you can share it. I’m fortunate to have art as a medium, reaching thousands through theatre and films like More Than One Story. These platforms hold up a mirror to society, helping individuals see themselves. It’s about breaking the silences. It’s about healing. 

Why are these narratives often hidden? Is it because revealing them would mean holding people accountable? Or lead to demands for change? Or is it the lingering influence of Thatcherism – “the cream will rise to the top”. If you’re not flourishing, you’re not working hard enough? Fourteen years of austerity left many feeling grateful simply not to be on the streets, even if their living conditions are scarcely better. Even if the law states that you are legally homeless.

This is why stories and narratives are essential: to understand the world, to have a voice, and to be heard. Throughout history, oppressive regimes have silenced artists and controlled narratives to maintain power. Charities like Cardboard Citizens exist to affirm that your voice matters. Your stories can fuel great works of art, spark personal revolutions or help you find your community.

Change through narrative is evident. This year, Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office showed its impact. But narrative and the importance of it is everywhere. The ongoing fight for justice after Grenfell is a fight to have people’s stories told; the Museum of Homelessness documenting the stories of those who have died on the streets – all these efforts underscore the power of storytelling. Social activism across the country embraces narrative to ensure governments cannot ignore these truths. That feels essential to me. So here Cardboard Citizens are with nine short films demonstrating the emotional power of stories. 

‘You never see representations of yourself when you come from a background of poverty‘

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton is one of the most senior fire chiefs in the country, and experienced homelessness in her youth. She used selling the Big Issue to get a hand up and is now one of our Ambassadors. This is her take on why More Than One Story is so vital:

“I experienced homelessness as a teenager, and I was watching the films in tears because that happened to me. You never see representations of yourself on screen when you come from a background of poverty. It represents real people’s stories and a side of homelessness that not everybody sees, and the shame you feel, that constant stomach-ache you have.

“I sold the Big Issue, that helped me to get off the streets. I joined the fire brigade when I was 18 and that gave me the social mobility I could only have dreamed of. But it took me until I was a Fire Chief to have the courage to talk about my experience of homelessness. I didn’t feel I could be the same as the other leaders in the room. The pernicious sense of shame made it so hard to speak. But when I did, the number of people who came forward and got in touch to say I’ve experienced something similar…

“So, the impact of sharing stories like this is powerful. There’s 14 million people experiencing poverty right now and they all have potential – what they don’t have is opportunity. By talking about this, we create the opportunity.”

Cardboard Citizens introduces Shahab Awad

This Is What It Means stars Shahab Awad, an actor, writer, and Member of Cardboard Citizens. Awad started his acting journey with The Black Men’s Consortium in 2022 and is currently working on his first play. Also featured are the Community Company, a collective of Members of the Cardboard Citizens community.

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. Big Issue exists to give homeless and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income. To support our work buy a copy of the magazine or get the app from the App Store or Google Play.