Beyond the Margins

DOCUMENTING THE WORK OF CATCHING LIVES PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON KNOTT

Copyright Catching Lives 2024

BEYOND THE MARGINS PHOTOGRAPHS BY JASON KNOTT Catching Lives has been working with professional photographer Jason Knott over the last year documenting the work we do as a charity.

His sensitive approach and patience has produced a series of compelling images that illustrate the lives of those who use our services and the volunteers who support us.

JASON KNOTT Like any personal project, I was attracted to the stories—not only those of the clients, but the whole operation with all the hurdles they face every day. The staff and volunteers all have a story to tell as well.

It was important for me to get to know the chosen clients and to gain the trust of those around the centre who attended each day. My storytelling process means that I like to make connections both ahead of the shoot and during the shooting.

My original intention was to take a documentary-style approach, but that soon evolved to shooting portraits and, in some cases, being invited into the lives of the clients. As I talked to them, I was slowly let into their worlds and heard each of the very individual journeys people had taken on their way to becoming homeless.

To engage with the clients on this level—seeing them relax, smile, and noticing them hold eye contact for the first time—was such a huge moment for me, as trust is such a big issue. The whole subject got under my skin. https://jasonknott.com/

“Often, people find it difficult to work with us in the usual way, so it is necessary to have a flexible approach to supporting those who are homeless. Outreach is an important part of that and helps build trusting relationships. Being able to meet clients in a less formal setting has many benefits”

- Emma, Catching Lives

“The workshops help my mind be still and give me hope”

- Pat

“I felt protected rough sleeping outside a church”

- Nicky

“My days with Catching Lives are some of the most heartwarming.

What I love the most is the laughter shared with some wonderful people who are living a reality that doesn’t always give them much to laugh about. The laughter shows there is still hope for better days to come.”

Kylie, Creative Practitioner & Facilitator

“Community Gardens aren’t just a place for growing food or flowers; it’s a space where people can come together, each of us a little rough around the edges, just like the plants we tend. It’s a place where nature and humanity meet in their most authentic forms—both seeking to grow, to heal, to belong. For those who, like the garden, may have been overlooked or deemed “too wild,” “too messy” this space offers refuge, a place where we can stand tall and find purpose in the simple act of caring for the earth.”

Lucy runs the Herne Bay in Bloom Community Gardens and was instrumental in helping us to develop our own garden.

“It brings me peace” Lachlan volunteers at the Herne Bay Community Gardens.

“I thought I had prepared for everything in Life. But I hadn’t prepared for the decline of my mental health”

- Paul

“If you get knocked down get back up on your feet and don’t accept defeat”

- Nicky

“Having a home is only the beginning of what can be a long and difficult journey”

- Pat

Government rough sleeping figures showed a fifty percent increase in Canterbury and the surrounding areas between 2022 and 2023.

Numbers continue to rise.”

Catching Lives is an independent charity supporting people who are homeless or insecurely housed in Canterbury and East Kent; people who have, for many reasons, fallen through the gaps in society and feel they have nowhere else to turn.

Our vision is of a society where everyone has a safe place to live and the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life. We support people at our day centre, providing essential facilities and individual support to improve housing, health, and social connection.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this project happen.

Catching Lives Canterbury Open Centre Station Road East Canterbury Kent CT1 2RB www.catchinglives.org Tel: 01227 464904 Email: press@catchinglives.org Registered Charity Number: 1014868 Limited Company Number: 2719436

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