Voices and stories of Blackpool's young homeless to be heard

Poet and spoke word artist Nathan Parker teams up with Streetlife to bring stories from the streets to life

First published on September 21 2024

The voices of young people in Blackpool and beyond experiencing poverty and homelessness are being expressed through the words of a poet and spoken word artist from the town.

Streetlife - who help 300 vulnerable young people a year - have teamed up with Nathan Parker.

Parker's works take the stories of those aged 16 to 25 who have used the eight-bed night shelter in St Johns Square and expresses them in new poetry and spoken word performances.

Pictures from Claire Walmsley Griffiths - who has been featured across The Blackpool Lead and other titles - also capture the emotions of young people involved - two of her pictures can be seen below.

Streetlife chief executive, Jane Hugo, said: "A Youth Work charity at our core, Streetlife are passionate about their values of empowerment,
equality of opportunity and kindness. 

"We believe it is vital for the views of young people to be heard and with his Youth Work background and local knowledge, Nathan was the perfect person to facilitate the project."

The anthology of poems and photography is due to be launched in the coming weeks at a venue in Blackpool - The Blackpool Lead will bring you details when we know where and when.