The long road from Crisis to home

At the heart of this Christmas campaign for Crisis is a deeply moving film directed by Chris Fowles, through Outsider, that emphasises how the charity's work extends far beyond providing hot meals, beds and showers over the festive period. 

Instead, it focuses on the small but significant turning points that can transform a person's life, from building trust and confidence to receiving the kind of sustained person-centred support needed to leave rough sleeping behind.

The poetically scripted, beautifully acted film follows Nick, who has been experiencing long-term homelessness and has learned to keep his situation hidden from others. Initially reluctant to trust the help being offered – telling himself not to get used to it – he gradually begins to believe that things can change. 

Director Chris Fowles explains: “Finding our 'Nick' in Gareth felt like the key to the whole film. He brought such vulnerability and restraint to the character without ever reaching for sympathy. Shooting on 35mm gave the film a beautiful texture and emotional quality that brought a real sense of authenticity to the story.”

Georgia Stephenson, CD at Don't Panic added: “It was essential for us to portray a nuanced and complex portrait of Nick. Too often society flattens people facing homelessness into a two dimensional stereotype. But our hero’s inner voice shows that he is a complex individual who reacts and adapts to his environment whilst enduring incredible instability. His emotional journey is what will authentically connect with viewers.”