Hi, my name is Lindsay Lyall and I’m the Service Manager for St Mungo’s Outreach Team here in BCP.

So thank you for taking the time to scan the QR code. I’m really excited to walk you through our art here at Arts by the Sea.

So a little bit about the Outreach Team. Every day, our Outreach Team steps into spaces that many people walk past without even noticing. Doorways, parks, hidden corners of the town. Places where stories of survival unfold quietly and often unseen.

Homelessness is rarely about the absence of a roof. It’s the loss of safety, the loss of belonging, the loss of identity, and sometimes the loss of hope altogether. Yet in the midst of all these experiences, we continue to meet people whose resilience humbles our team.

Every day across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, my team walks alongside individuals facing some of the most complex challenges imaginable. We meet people where they are physically and emotionally, offering not just support, but that human connection to really welcome change. Sometimes progress is not just about securing accommodation, sometimes it’s about engaging with healthcare, reconnecting with family, or simply trusting someone enough to have a conversation.

Among those sleeping rough are women whose experiences can often go hidden. Many women facing homelessness stay out of sight because visibility can really come at a cost. They may be fleeing abuse, exploitation, trauma, or violence, while their homelessness may be less visible. Their vulnerability is often profound.

Through our Women’s Specialist Worker and dedicated outreach staff, we strive to create spaces where women are heard, believed and supported to rebuild safety and stability in their lives. As a St Mungo’s outreach service, we are privileged enough to witness some extraordinary moments of courage. A first night off the streets, acceptance of support after years of isolation, and the decision to really believe that life can look a little bit different.

Arts by the Sea reminds us of something really important. And this is what I want you to carry around with you today as you scan our QR codes. Every person has a story that is worth telling.

Creativity has the power to challenge perceptions and reveal the humanity that exists beyond the labels such as “rough sleeper” or “homeless”. It allows us to see the individual, not just the circumstance.

Some of our rough sleepers have allowed us insight into their experiences. So as you listen to their stories, I want you to really put yourself in their shoes and wonder, “what would I do?”

Our artwork represents more than just homelessness. It represents strength, dignity, survival, and hope. It reflects the people that we support, the partnerships that make change possible across BCP, and the dedication of my Outreach Team who show up every day come rain or shine, every day of the year, even Christmas Day, with compassion, determination, and belief that there can be a better future.

At the heart of everything that we do, there is a simple truth: no one within our community should feel invisible.

I hope you enjoy your day and welcome to St Mungo’s: Arts by the Sea.