Bear Grylls puts focus on hidden homelessness in new short film: ‘We can break the stigma’

Adventurer Bear Grylls is turning actor in a new short film putting hidden homelessness and Big Issue in the spotlight.

Grylls has teamed up with classical pianist Fabio D’Andrea for the five-minute tale of a former military man sleeping in his car and a mother and daughter struggling in a dingy flat.

Their paths cross with Grylls who is working out at the gym when he notices the man tucking a sleeping bag into a locker and strikes up a conversation.

Grylls later meets up with the man at a cafe where he is sat thumbing through a copy of Big Issue.

That meeting is instrumental with getting the man the support he needs.

Meanwhile, the connection with Grylls at the gym is also instrumental in getting the mother and her daughter, who is bullied at school due to homelessness, the support they need to get a new home.

Read more:

• Bear Grylls: ‘I start every day on my knees praying by my bed’
• One mum’s months-long ordeal to find out how her son died in a homeless hostel: ‘I need answers’
• Chief Scout Dwayne Fields on empowering Britain’s youth – and why kids are coping better than we think

“It’s important to me to bring hidden homelessness into the light because so many people are struggling in silence – sleeping on sofas, in cars, or moving from place to place, just trying to get by. They’re often overlooked because their situation isn’t as visible, but their challenges are just as real. By shining a light on hidden homelessness, we can break the stigma, raise awareness and make sure everyone gets the support and dignity they deserve.”

The short film, titled Fabio D’Andrea & Freddie De Tommaso: Pace, launched in the US and the UK on World Homeless Day. The Salvation Army USA and Big Issue are partners in their respective regions.

Lord John Bird, crossbench peer and founder of the Big Issue, said: “Hats off to Fabio D’Andrea and Bear Grylls for using their talents to spotlight hidden homelessness. At the Big Issue, we’ve spent decades shouting about what others ignore. This brilliant film helps turn up the volume and, for that, we thank them both.”

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

Reader-funded since 1991 – Big Issue brings you trustworthy journalism that drives real change.

Every day, our journalists dig deeper, speaking up for those society overlooks.

Could you help us keep doing this vital work? Support our journalism from £5 a month.