Focus Ireland Launches Powerful “Journey Home” Photo Exhibition in Sligo, Showcasing Voices of People with Lived Experience of Homelessness
The Mayor of Sligo borough Cllr Gino O’Boyle today (Aug 26th) officially opened Journey Home, a compelling exhibition created by Focus Ireland’s first panel of LEAP Ambassadors. The exhibition, (launched at a special event in the Hyde Bridge Gallery, which is on the first floor of the Yeats Society Sligo) features powerful photographic stories from individuals who have experienced homelessness, offering a deeply personal and moving insight into their journeys. The exhibition runs from 2pm Tuesday 26th August to 3pm Saturday 30th August.
Speaking at the launch, Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan welcomed attendees and introduced the LEAP (Lived Experience Ambassador Programme), which was established in 2021 to empower people with lived experience of homelessness to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and influence policy and public understanding.
He said: “LEAP is at the heart of our mission to ensure that the voices of those who use our services lead the way in our work. We are proud to work alongside our ambassadors, whose skills, dignity, and humanity must always be recognised.”
The Journey Home exhibition is the result of a Photovoice project led by sociologist Dr Maria Quinlan. Using a trauma-informed, therapeutic approach, the ambassadors—Catherine Keenan, Paul Geoghegan, Kelly Ann Byrne, Scott Buckley, and Stephanie Clarke—shared their experiences through personal and found photographs. The exhibition is accompanied by a book that further explores their stories.
One standout reflection comes from LEAP Ambassador Kelly Byrne, who shared a photo of her newly done nails, saying: “This for me, I know it looks like a picture of my nails, but it is not. It is about, see the wheel, and I am in control of my life now… I have my hand firmly on the steering wheel and I am choosing where I go.”
This year marks Focus Ireland’s 40th anniversary. Rather than traditional celebrations, the organisation is reflecting on its journey and impact since 1985. As part of this, Journey Home will tour venues across Ireland, amplifying the voices of those who have experienced homelessness and have made the journey home.
Focus Ireland first opened its doors in Sligo in 2007 and has since grown to meet evolving local needs. A key example of its impact is the long-standing partnership with the Cranmore Regeneration Project and Sligo County Council, which began in 2008. This collaboration has helped build a caring community with safe, secure homes.
Mr. Dennigan also addressed the current housing crisis, noting that record numbers of people are experiencing homelessness each month. He called for urgent action and a radical shift in housing policy, particularly in the upcoming Government Housing Plan expected in September.
He said: “In 2024, we delivered 470 homes, bringing our total to 1,700 units,” he said. “We believe homelessness can be ended—if the right policies are in place and if we continue to work together.”
The event concluded with acknowledgments to the LEAP Ambassadors, Dr Maria Quinlan, Bord Gáis Energy who support the LEAP programme and whose decade-long partnership with Focus Ireland has helped to support over 8,500 families—and the dedicated Focus Ireland team in Sligo.
For more information about the Journey Home exhibition and Focus Ireland’s work, visit www.focusireland.ie.