Murals share stories of life after homelessness

New public murals in London, Bristol and Reading are sharing the voices of people supported out of rough sleeping.

Commissioned by St Mungo’s, the artworks tell the stories of Lee, Tamika, Ray and Lawretta in places connected to their journeys. Each mural includes a QR code that lets passersby hear a narrated account, shifting attention from stereotypes towards people’s personalities, creativity and recovery.

Lee, who once slept rough after returning to London for mental-health support, was helped by a St Mungo’s outreach worker. He now volunteers for the charity and runs creative-writing classes.

The project arrives as recorded rough sleeping in the UK has risen to 4,793, its highest level. St Mungo’s says 77% of people it helped leave the streets last year were not seen returning to rough sleeping, showing what sustained support can achieve.

Murals alone cannot solve homelessness, and the displays are temporary. Their value lies in helping people notice, listen and understand where support can begin. Alongside government funding, they make a powerful case that homelessness is not a fixed identity and recovery is possible.