At Speed Communications, we know that campaigns with real impact are those that put people at the centre. Our work with Bristol-based charity 1625 Independent People, a youth homelessness charity, was a clear demonstration of this belief.
The Challenge
Youth homelessness is often invisible, but its impact is devastating. Research revealed that four in ten young people in the South West fear becoming homeless – a shocking statistic that underlines the urgency of 1625’s mission.
The charity wanted to shine a light on these hidden struggles while reframing perceptions of homelessness and raising vital funds for its programmes.
The Idea: Street Dreams
Our solution was to create unfiltered storytelling that gave young people a platform to share their own voices. Working in partnership with acclaimed Bristol photographer Colin Moody, six young people aged 16–25 co-created Street Dreams – an exhibition of striking portraits and moving audio stories.
The concept was simple yet powerful: art with impact. By combining photography with lived experience, the campaign offered an authentic look at resilience, ambition, and the barriers young people face in achieving their dreams.
The Impact
The works were showcased publicly and online, bringing these powerful stories to a wide audience and sparking vital conversations. The campaign:
Raised awareness of the challenges faced by young people at risk of homelessness.
Reframed perceptions by highlighting resilience and ambition alongside struggle.
Generated national and regional coverage, with PRWeek naming Street Dreams as one of its Campaigns of the Week.