New St Petrock’s film shines light on homelessness in Exeter

Exeter homelessness charity St Petrock’s has launched a new Christmas campaign urging local residents and businesses to help those facing homelessness this winter, as demand for support continues to rise across the city.

The charity hopes to raise £50,000 through its Christmas Giving 2025 appeal, which runs until 5 January 2026, to help fund food, outreach and welfare services for people without stable housing.

The campaign began this week with the premiere of a short film at The Hall on Stepcote Hill. The film combines real stories from people experiencing homelessness in Exeter with scenes of cold streets and temporary shelters.

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While rough sleeping across England rose by 27 per cent in 2023, Exeter’s increase was limited to 4 per cent, thanks in part to coordinated efforts between the city council, local charities and outreach services. 

Programmes such as the Rough Sleeping Initiative and Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme have provided emergency pods, long-term housing and support through the city’s new Prospects Centre.

Exeter City Council data also shows positive signs: the number of people new to rough sleeping fell by 32 per cent compared with 2023, and there are now 30 per cent fewer people seen sleeping rough in an average month than a year ago. 

Officials credit the city’s data-driven, partnership approach for helping to stabilise the situation even as national figures rise.

Still, St Petrock’s says demand for its frontline services remains high. The charity supported hundreds of people last year with hot meals, welfare advice and emergency assistance, and expects an even busier winter in 2025 as the cost of living and high rents continue to push people into crisis.

Emma Jones, Head of Community Relations at St Petrock’s, said the campaign’s film is intended to make that reality visible: “This film is a mirror to what’s happening on our streets. Homelessness isn’t abstract — it’s local, it’s real, and it could affect anyone. Exeter has such a generous community spirit, and this Christmas we’re asking people to turn that compassion into action.”

Residents can support the campaign by donating online, sharing the film, or encouraging local workplaces to take part in corporate giving initiatives.

The short film will be available to watch and share from 13 November on St Petrock’s website and social media channels.