National homelessness charity, Crisis, is today releasing a powerful new campaign film; a story of one man’s journey out of homelessness, the difference that Christmas kindness can make, and the healing power of music.   

The film tells the story of Francois Pierron, who became homeless after moving to London and having his wallet and passport stolen on his first night in the city. Francois spent much of the next decade homeless, often sleeping rough on the streets of Camden.   

During this period of homelessness Francois learned to play the piano, practising all through the night at the famous railway station piano in St. Pancras International. Here he could, temporarily at least, escape the cold, the wet, and the persistent threat of violence and abuse that people sleeping rough on our streets are sadly exposed to.  

Francois said: “I used to go to St. Pancras station all night long. Every night I used to go there to play piano. It became my shelter, my refuge. When I play piano it’s like creating a painting, it’s very healing. You forget about time, about your condition.”  

In 2016, Francois attended one of our Crisis at Christmas services, our annual offering to people experiencing homelessness that provides a safe place to stay, access to support and the space to start to rebuild lives away from homelessness.   

Here he met Alex, a Crisis volunteer, who encouraged him in his passion for music and the melodies in his mind that, Francois said, were like “the sound of water”.   

Years later, one night walking through St. Pancras, Alex heard piano music that sounded just like that. It was Francois, now no longer homeless, but still finding peace of mind at the St. Pancras piano. They remain friends to this day and Alex features in the video.  

Francois has since appeared on Channel 4’s The Piano, and is living in a safe, secure home. In the three years that he’s been securely housed, he has set up his own business, returned to full-time education and is also working on an EP.   

The music in the video is called “Old Heavens” – Francois’ own composition, under his stage name Keba. He’s described it as a tribute to “all the people who gave me a tiny bit of encouragement” in his darkest hours of homelessness.    

“I came to Crisis at Christmas. It felt like a safe space,” Francois recalls, “giving my humanity back to me.”  

This Christmas, Crisis will be providing specialist support and companionship to approximately 5,500 people experiencing homelessness across Britain. The charity will be offering food and other essentials to people, as well as access to much needed services such as GP appointments, haircuts and eye tests.   

In London, Crisis will be helping people off the streets and into their own hotel room. Here they’ll be offered one-to-one support, access to healthcare and other vital services to start their journey out of homelessness.  

  

Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “It’s because of stories like Francois’ that those of us who work in the homelessness sector get out of bed in the morning. We know that with the right support - and crucially with access to genuinely affordable, secure housing - people who have experienced the trauma and indignity of homelessness can rebuild their lives and realise their full potential.   

“We hope Francois’ remarkable story of hope, resilience and his unwavering commitment to mastering his craft will inspire people this Christmas. At Crisis we’ll be working hard to help more people take their first steps out of homelessness for good.”  

Peter Martin-Jones, Head of Marketing at London St. Pancras Highspeed, said: "Francois' journey is truly inspiring and speaks to the transformative power of music and human compassion. Our station pianos are more than just instruments - they are part of a long-standing musical tradition and a creative space for everyone to express themselves. We are so pleased to hear that they played such a positive role in Francois’ story and hope that the music of St. Pancras International will continue to inspire others for years to come."  

To find out more about Crisis, or to donate to the charity’s Christmas appeal, please visit crisis.org.uk   

The film was produced and directed by creative agency Mere Mortals, in collaboration with Francois, Alex and Crisis.    

-Ends-  

Notes to Editor  

The full, 3 minute film can be accessed here.   

The 90 second edit without subtitles can be accessed here.   

The 90 second edit with subtitles can be accessed here.