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The narrator's lens

The Importance of Research

Building Strong Foundations

Research is the backbone of every project. Without it, stories lack depth, messages lose credibility, and impact is limited. A strong foundation of research ensures that our work is accurate, meaningful, and effective in driving real change.

Before any project begins, we need to fully understand the issue we are addressing. This means listening to those with lived experience, gathering data, and learning from past work. Research helps us see the bigger picture—what has already been done, what gaps exist, and how our project can make a difference.

A well-researched project gives credibility to the stories we share. It ensures that our exhibitions and campaigns are not just emotional, but also factual and impactful. Research allows us to back up personal stories with data, making them even harder to ignore.

Funders and collaborators need to see that a project is not just a good idea, but a well-planned and well-researched initiative. They need to know that we’ve done the groundwork—spoken to the right people, assessed the need, and planned for real outcomes. Without research, it’s difficult to gain the trust and support needed to bring a project to life.

Every project evolves, and research helps guide its direction. It ensures that we are addressing the right issues in the right way. It allows us to adapt when new information comes to light and ensures that we remain responsive to the needs of the people we aim to support.

Every person who shares their story with us is trusting us to represent them truthfully and respectfully. Research helps us honour that trust by ensuring accuracy, context, and a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.

This is why research is at the heart of everything we do. It transforms ideas into action, strengthens the voices we amplify, and ensures that every project we create has the power to make a real difference.

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The Role of Research

Research in Planning and Development

Research is the foundation of every project we create. Before a project begins, we conduct in-depth research to understand the issue, identify key voices, and assess the potential impact. This involves speaking with people who have lived experience, consulting with experts, and reviewing existing studies, reports, and data.

Thorough research helps us shape each project with accuracy, sensitivity, and purpose. It ensures that the stories we share are not just powerful but also grounded in fact. It also helps us identify gaps—what has been done before, what is missing, and how our work can make a meaningful contribution.

However, research is not just a step in the planning process—it is ongoing. As a project develops, we continue to explore new insights, listen to different perspectives, and refine our approach. This flexibility allows us to respond to emerging issues and ensure that each project remains relevant and impactful.

UNSEEN ECHOES - Objects of Domestic Abuse | Photography Project & Exhibition
st albans photography gallery community

Ongoing Research: Gathering Data and Stories

Once a project is underway, we actively gather more information to strengthen our work. This might include sending out surveys, conducting interviews, or collecting feedback to gain deeper insights into the subject matter. These methods allow us to capture real stories and experiences, adding depth and authenticity to our exhibitions and campaigns.

Our exhibitions themselves also play a crucial role in research. By engaging with visitors and capturing their reactions, thoughts, and feedback, we gain valuable insight into how people respond to the issues we present. Many exhibitions spark new conversations, leading to ideas for future projects or revealing new areas that need further exploration.

The research we collect is not just for our own use—we share it whenever possible. We understand that research takes time, and by making our findings accessible, we can support others working in the same space. Whether it’s shaping a new project, informing funding applications, or helping other organisations and individuals, we believe that knowledge should be open and shared.

Research is more than just gathering information—it is a tool for education, advocacy, and collaboration. The more we understand, the more we can do to create real change.

Research is more than just gathering information.

It’s about listening, understanding, and using knowledge to drive real change.

Research for Everyone

Take It, Use It, Build on It

We believe that research should be shared, not hidden. If any of our findings, insights, or data can support your work, feel free to use them. Research is most powerful when it leads to action, and by sharing what we’ve learned, we hope to contribute to wider discussions, new projects, and meaningful change.

At the same time, we are always looking to learn more. If you have information that could support one of our projects, ideas, or exhibitions, we would love to hear from you. Whether you have personal insights, research findings, or resources that could help strengthen our work, please get in touch.

Collaboration and shared knowledge are at the heart of what we do. The more we listen, learn, and connect, the greater the impact we can make—together.

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our research

Government Response and Policies on Youth Homelessness

March 12, 2025

Youth homelessness is a pressing social issue in the UK, with thousands of young people experiencing housing instability each year. The UK government has implemented several policies and initiatives to address the problem, focusing on prevention, intervention, and long-term solutions. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, and many young people continue to struggle with homelessness.

This report examines the key government responses and policies aimed at tackling youth homelessness, assessing their effectiveness and highlighting areas for improvement.

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The Role of Charities and Community Organisations in Addressing Youth Homelessness

March 12, 2025

Charities and community organisations play a crucial role in addressing youth homelessness in the UK. While the government provides some support through housing policies and social services, charities often fill the gaps left by underfunded or overstretched public services. These organisations offer emergency shelter, long-term accommodation, mental health support, employment training, and advocacy for policy changes.

This report examines the role of charities and community organisations in tackling youth homelessness, their key contributions, the challenges they face, and recommendations for strengthening their impact.

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The Impact of Youth Homelessness

March 12, 2025

Youth homelessness is a critical issue in the UK and globally, affecting thousands of young people each year. It has far-reaching consequences on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. The effects of homelessness extend beyond housing instability, impacting young people’s physical and mental health, education, employment opportunities, relationships, and long-term prospects.

This report examines the impact of youth homelessness across multiple areas, highlighting the challenges faced by homeless young people and the wider implications for society.

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Solutions and Recommendations for Tackling Youth Homelessness

March 12, 2025

Youth homelessness remains a significant challenge in the UK, affecting thousands of young people each year. While various government policies, charities, and community initiatives have sought to address the issue, many young people continue to experience housing insecurity, poverty, and lack of support.

This report outlines comprehensive solutions and recommendations to effectively reduce youth homelessness. These solutions focus on prevention, intervention, and long-term support, ensuring that young people can access stable housing, education, and employment.

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Youth Homelessness in the UK

March 12, 2025

Youth homelessness is a significant social issue in the UK, affecting thousands of young people each year. Many find themselves without stable accommodation due to family breakdown, abuse, mental health struggles, or financial hardship. Despite government efforts, charities, and social programmes aimed at tackling the issue, the number of young people at risk of homelessness remains alarmingly high.

This report examines the causes, scale, impact, and solutions related to youth homelessness in the UK, with a focus on key statistics, government policies, and the role of charitable organisations.

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Causes and Risk Factors of Dementia

March 13, 2025

Dementia is caused by progressive brain damage that leads to the decline of cognitive functions such as memory, reasoning, and communication. The underlying causes vary depending on the type of dementia, but they generally involve the deterioration of brain cells and their connections.

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Dementia in Hertfordshire

March 24, 2025

Dementia is one of the most pressing health and social care challenges in the UK today, affecting nearly one million people nationwide. In Hertfordshire, it is estimated that around 16,000 people are currently living with dementia. With a county population of approximately 1.2 million, and over 220,000 residents aged 65 and above, the impact of dementia is being felt across families, care services, and communities.

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Dementia in the UK

March 13, 2025

Dementia is a significant public health challenge in the UK, affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals and placing a growing strain on healthcare and social services. This report examines the prevalence, causes, risk factors, impact, diagnosis, treatment, support services, policy responses, and future challenges associated with dementia in the UK.

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Is our research helpful?

March 14, 2025

Your donation helps us raise awareness, support individuals, and drive real change through photography and research. Every contribution makes a difference.

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Prevalence and Statistics of Dementia in the UK

March 13, 2025

Dementia is one of the most significant public health challenges in the UK, affecting individuals, families, and the healthcare system. As a progressive condition, it leads to increasing levels of disability and dependency, particularly among older adults. The number of people diagnosed with dementia is rising due to an ageing population, and without effective treatment or prevention strategies, it is expected to place a growing burden on health and social care services.

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How Social Media Takes Time Away from Meaningful Photography

March 15, 2025

Introduction In the digital era, social media is often seen as an essential tool for photographers. It provides a platform to showcase work, engage with audiences, and attract potential clients or collaborators. However, for photographers focusing on deep, meaningful storytelling—particularly in social issues—social media can become a major distraction. The

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Dementia in the UK: The Human Impact

March 13, 2025

Dementia is a life-changing condition affecting almost a million people in the UK, impacting their independence, identity, and daily life. This report focuses on the personal experiences of those living with dementia, the challenges they face, and the support available to help them maintain quality of life for as long as possible.

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Understanding Dementia: Types, Causes, and Symptoms

March 13, 2025

Dementia is a broad term used to describe a collection of progressive neurological conditions that impair cognitive function, memory, thinking, language, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It is not a single disease but rather a syndrome caused by various underlying brain disorders. The condition primarily affects older adults, although it can occur at any age, particularly in the case of certain types of early-onset dementia.

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The Scale of Youth Homelessness

March 12, 2025

Youth homelessness is a pressing issue in the United Kingdom, affecting thousands of young people each year. Factors such as family breakdown, economic hardship, and systemic failures contribute to the displacement of individuals aged 16 to 24. Understanding the scale of this problem is crucial for developing effective interventions and policies.​

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Impact of Dementia

March 13, 2025

Dementia has a profound effect on individuals, families, and society as a whole. As the condition progresses, it affects not only cognitive abilities but also emotional well-being, independence, and relationships. The impact extends beyond the person with dementia, influencing caregivers, healthcare systems, and the economy.

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Get in Touch

If you would like to work with us in any way or simply have a chat, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

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A New Name

The Same Mission

We have changed our name back to The Narrator’s Lens, but we are still the Christopher James Hall Foundation—just under a new name. Our mission and values remain the same, and we continue to create impactful projects, raise awareness, and drive change.

This rebrand is part of our journey towards becoming a charity, allowing us to expand our reach and make an even greater difference. While our name has changed, our commitment to amplifying voices and making a lasting impact remains as strong as ever.

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Help Give People Like
Krystoff a Voice

Your support can make a real difference. People like Krystoff have powerful stories that deserve to be heard, and with your donation, we can continue to give them a platform. Every contribution helps us create exhibitions, amplify voices, and drive change. Donate today and be part of the movement.