Exeter homelessness charity’s “Coldplay” Christmas film goes live
The first high profile Christmas campaign produced for the city’s homelessness charity will launch across the social media network today, in a five-week fundraising bid to help support people without a home in Exeter.
Coldplay support
Global superstars, Coldplay, have given consent for St Petrock’s to use the haunting and bittersweet Christmas Lights as the film’s soundtrack.
The campaign goes live today (Monday), thanks to the help of digital advertising experts at AB Brand and Marketing, who are not charging St Petrock’s for their time.
The video, which manages to be both gritty and heartwarming, has been produced completely free of charge by film production company, All Told, whose team has worked for big name brands such as Nationwide, Tesco, National Trust, South West Water and Nike.
The campaign launches as people on low incomes are plunged further into poverty, while the country slides into a recession triggered by soaring inflation and interest rate rises. From discussions with partner agencies and St Petrock’s own observations, the charity estimates the number of rough sleepers on the streets of Exeter has doubled in the space of just 12 months.
All the faces featured in the film are St Petrock’s staff and real-life clients, who have agreed to take part in a bid to help the charity raise money for a service that is increasingly in demand.
Peter Stephenson, Director of St Petrock’s said: “When staff saw the first cut of the film, most of us admitted it brought tears to our eyes. I myself have watched it several times and it still brings a lump to my throat. It’s very emotional for us.
“Being made homeless is a huge psychological and physical shock. Many of the people we support feel very unsafe at night, and assaults on them are all too common. Sleeping rough is extremely difficult at any time of year, but it’s particularly hard for rough sleepers in the winter and in torrential rain like we have had over the past couple of weeks.
“When we decided to make this film, we wanted to give people an insight into what it means to sleep rough, and the work we do on a daily basis. And that meant involving our staff and clients – those who are rough sleeping as well as those in insecure accommodation.
“We do what we can to provide the practical and emotional support needed by those in our city with nowhere to call home. We’re often told we’re a lifeline, especially at this time of the year. Christmas can be a very painful time for those who are left outside on Christmas Day while everyone else is celebrating warm inside with their loved ones.
“I’m so very grateful to our clients for being so willing to take part in our film.
“And to AB Brand and Marketing who are generously giving their time to enable our film to reach as many people as possible.
“The vast majority of St Petrock’s funding comes from the generosity of the local community, and each day I’m humbled by the support we are given by residents, faith organisations and businesses. However, the challenge we now face is that sadly the demand for our services is growing.
"We will of course do what we can to meet this growing need, and we are actively seeking to buy more homes.
"But if we’re going to address the growing need, we have to secure significantly more funding.
"These are tough times for all of us, but we’re hoping that this film will help open people’s eyes and encourage even greater generosity to those in greatest need.”
How to donate
Donations to St Petrock’s Christmas campaign can be made at www.StPetrocksChristmas.org.uk
