In November last year we were invited to represent our charity at a Campfire Bugle Vegan Supper event that was attended by local, like-minded individuals coming together to make a difference.
Photographer Andy Scaysbrook, whose publishing credits include National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller, The Sunday Times and The Observer amongst many others, documented the evening in photographs and took part in discussions about our work as a charity. Andy has taken a keen interest in our work since our introduction and is now an active Volunteer with Hope for Food.
Andy has documented our Christmas and Easter Meals and provided press coverage for our initiatives – including our Clean Machine and our Soup Kitchens – his prime objective, to increase awareness of Homelessness and the difficulties the Homeless face on a day to day basis.
With their permission, Andy has been able to capture the most incredible striking images of some of the gentlemen attending our Soup Kitchens and one thought-provoking image has been chosen to be published in the ‘British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Britain’ book, the worlds oldest and most respected photographic magazine.
This year, the competition saw a staggering number of entries. The 13,000 submissions were judged by an elite panel of photographic experts made up of, Simon Bainbridge, Editor in Chief of British Journal of Photography; Caroline Hunter, Picture Editor at Guardian Weekend Magazine; Olivia Author, Magnum Photographer; and Martin Usborne, Co-Founder of Hoxton Mini Press.
Arriving at the 200 strong shortlist was no mean feat, but the outcome reflects the core values of the competition. “Each portrait is a story in itself”, says Bainbridge, “collectively they present an alternative to the current political rhetoric, a human face that gives some nuance to the picture of who we are”.
Andy is full of praise for Hope for Food and our fantastic volunteers. “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Hope for Food and to win the trust of those on the streets who kindly agreed to be photographed”, he said. “The vital work Hope for Food do to help support not just the homeless but many other families who desperately need their help to survive is truly inspiring”. “I’ve witnessed first hand the desperation of Homelessness and photographing the characters and telling their stories has been an inspirational and, at times, difficult journey. I’ve met and photographed so many people and built friendships with some good people on the streets. It is a real honour to have been included in this book and a fitting tribute to those who work and live on the front line of homelessness”.
We are so proud to be part of this success and we are humbled by Andy’s intent to ensure the exposure this publication brings benefits Hope for Food and in turn all of those we help.
