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People facing homelessness invited to Cromer art exhibition

People facing homelessness have blackjack booksbeen invited to an exhibition that chronicles life on the streets.

Social documentary photographer Marc Davenant's pictures of homelessness in modern Britain are on display at Cromer Artspace in Norfolk until 14 September.

Visitors to the exhibition, which is called Outsiders, said it had made them think "more deeply" about the issue, and given them confidence to engage with rough sleepers.

A North Norfolk District Council spokeswoman said the authority is supporting 112 households who are experiencing homelessness.

"It's easy to see homelessness in big cities, but it's harder to see what we call hidden homeless - and Cromer and north Norfolk has hidden homelessness," said Artspace volunteer Mary Mustoe.

"They may not be on the streets, but vulnerably housed, sofa-surfing.

"Some find places on the cliffs – we know some people sleep on the cliffs," she added.

Ms Mustoe said Artspace was working with North Norfolk District Council to let people know what services were available.

"For example, where to get a hot drink, a meal, where you can wash your clothes," she added.

Ms Mustoe said the exhibition aimed to "tell the proper story of people who find themselves homeless - all races, ages, sexes".

"There's examples of someone whose business failed: they were doing really nicely but found themselves on a downward slope and ended up on the streets.

"Also, ex-servicemen who were left with a lot to process and might have slipped through the net."

A number of people living in hostels and temporary accommodation had been invited to a special session at the gallery.

"They can tell us what they would like to do creatively - such as painting, writing, and so on.

"For example, Herring House in Yarmouth has produced an anthology about the lived experience of homeless people.

"The more we can hear about experiences of people on the street the more we can see them as.... our brothers and sisters," Ms Mustoe said.

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