A Lifestyle Choice // UK Homelessness Documentary

The (now former) home secretary, Suella Braverman, has described rough sleeping as a “lifestyle choice” while defending her decision to restrict the use of tents by homeless people on the streets of Britain.
“The British people are compassionate. We will always support those who are genuinely homeless. But we cannot allow our streets to be taken over by rows of tents occupied by people, many of them from abroad, living on the streets as a lifestyle choice."
Leeds based homeless charity Homeless Street Angels and the guys on the streets respond with this short film.
Filmed & edited by Jonny White.

[@JonnyVisuals]

In the aftermath of Suella Braverman's departure, one day after this film released, it's crucial to recognise that the mark of the Tories remains. My time with the Homeless Street Angels (Leeds-based charity) has brought to light the harsh truths of life on the streets to me. Amongst debates and political shifts, the faces of those battling homelessness are often lost in the noise. Through this short documentary created in collaboration with the Homeless Street Angels, ‘A Lifestyle Choice’, we aim to amplify the voices of those experiencing homelessness, challenging misconceptions that portray rough sleeping as a mere lifestyle choice. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire empathy, understanding, and a call to action. The streets are not a choice, but a stark reality that demands our attention and support.

[@mog6667]

still in shock as to how someone in her position could be so careless to some of the most vulnerable members of society, especially following the cost of living crisis. Ignorance is no excuse, her words are pure hatred. Thank you for shedding some light onto the reality of homelessness.

[@geofflaskey8121]

I know exactly what it feels like 😢helpless not nowing where to sleep and spending most of a day worrying about where is it safe to sleep tonight, its dreadful 😢

[@haott95]

Councils saying your not vulnerable if your on the streets, what kind of joke is that ??? You are 100% vulnerable if you are sleeping outside.. period. Truly is a sick depraved world we live in, no compassion whatsoever

[@maddyg3208]

I'm glad to hear that those who sit around all day, not contributing anything to society, and who live off the hard work of others, are not doing it as a lifestyle choice

[@PhillipplaistedPlaisted-qu7nc]

You won't understand a thing about actually being homless because people that judge ara the ones that could be sitting right were those people ara everyone is one pay check away from being homless thats what people don't understand about

[@janicesmith975]

Some people don't want help, even when offered it.

[@sandrafinbar]

Yes, but only some. Most don't want to be outdoors with no facilities and safety.

[@daisybuttercup6801]

Each council should provide a wheelie bin for each homeless person. Ideal for carrying their few belongings including a pillow and blanket. It could be laid down to enable the homeless person to crawl into and shut the lid. The wheels keep it off the ground it’s waterproof and wind proof. All it needs is a small ventilation grid and voila a portable home.

[@sandrafinbar]

Not a bad idea Daisy, except that some people might think it funny to push the bin down a hill with homeless person inside. And of course not ideal for accommodation. It's a small flat with running water, toilet and kitchen to prepare food, and safety that everyone needs.

[@daisybuttercup6801]

@@sandrafinbar I was suggesting it was better than sleeping in a doorway or a cardboard box. How they deal with the rest of the day would be what they usually do.

[@rog3833]

That is the dumbest idea ive ever heard. Part of me thinks your having a laugh.

[@daisybuttercup6801]

@@rog3833 why

[@Gator777]

Sometimes I think not having to pay the bills associated with a home would be nice. No responsibility for everything. Housing rent, water, sewer, electric, gas, taxes, insurance, and yard care and then people wonder why people are homeless. Just wake up in the morning eat breakfast and have a cup of coffee. The older I get the allure of no bills would be nice, but I do like heat in the winter and warm showers so I will only take the tent camping for a day or two. Praying for the homeless.

[@elizabethtobin6894]

Whatever the reason for a person to find themselves homeless who are we to judge.

[@JOSHTHEGIANT96]

Go out in countryside, build shelter, hunt rabbit and squirrel sit by the fire 🔥 kushty

[@edwardburnsenhicks7772]

Made your tent now lie in it. Been homeless many times since 1990.

[@georgesowerby193]

If we look at governments life style choices , the children of our land would be safe . However they insist on their life style .