README FILE About the data set • Title: Out the Bag • Dataset creator: Porter, Janette Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University ORCID: Janette Porter (0000-0003-0643-3272) - ORCID • Affiliated organisation: Liverpool John Moores University • Year of publication: 2026 Description This dataset accompanies the data collection Out the Bag by Janette Porter. The collection consists of video files related to the project and deposited in the LJMU Open Data repository. The dataset includes three MP4 video files, including original and improved audio/quality versions. The videos were collected as part of an education-related project and are available for reuse under a Creative Commons Attribution licence. Deed - Attribution 4.0 International - Creative Commons Abstract: Crass Routes (CR), running from 2007–2015, was a small, non-profit, artist-led organisation based in the Merseyside area, led by co-directors Janette Porter and Marko Muller. It was set up to respond to a clear gap in support, offering creative and holistic workshops for people on the margins of society, with the aim of improving their quality of life and overall wellbeing. At its core, CR focused on recovery through a personalised and holistic approach, recognising that many of the people involved had complex and varied needs. The organisation worked mainly with individuals experiencing homelessness, including those sleeping rough, as well as people facing poor mental health and substance use issues. Most participants were dealing with multiple challenges at the same time, which often made it difficult for them to access or stay engaged with mainstream services. A central part of CR’s work was its belief in the power of art as a way of supporting recovery, giving people the space to express themselves, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with who they are. CR worked alongside organisations such as Big Issue, The Whitechapel Centre, Genie in the Gutter, Fallen Angels, and Wirral Mind, as well as through street outreach, helping to reach those who are often the hardest to engage. One of the key creative outcomes of the project was Out the Bag, a large patchwork sleeping bag created collectively by participants. Sewn into the fabric are messages of loss and trauma, alongside hope, care, and wishes for the future. The piece reflects a shared journey of healing but also highlights the reality of homelessness and sleeping rough in our city. For many involved, the sleeping bag is not just symbolic, but something directly connected to their lived experience. In this way, Out the Bag not only shares personal stories but also draws attention to a wider issue that is often overlooked or accepted as normal. By recognising and celebrating what participants achieved, CR aimed to promote wellbeing, challenge stigma, and shift how the public views homelessness and recovery. The impact of this work can be seen through participants’ experiences. As one individual explained, “I leave the room feeling lighter than when I arrived. It brings me back to myself. It is difficult to explain, but it works for us” (Male client, Wirral Mind). This highlights how creative approaches can support recovery in ways that are hard to put into words, especially for those who struggle to engage with more traditional forms of support. Data collection method: Data for the Out the Bag project was collected through creative, participatory methods. Participants shared their experiences by sewing messages, thoughts, and personal stories directly onto the sleeping bag. This process allowed participant to express their feeling in their own way. The workshops created a relaxed space where informal conversations, observation, and engagement all contributed to the data collected. In addition, a short film was created with participants’ consent, capturing their stories and the overall process. This helped document the project and share the experiences of those involved, alongside the live performances that took place across Merseyside. Suggested citation: Porter, J. (2026). Out the Bag. [Data Collection]. Liverpool John Moores University. https://opendata.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/270 DOI : https://opendata.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/270 Contact details j.porter1@ljmu.ac.uk Terms of use © 2026 Janette Porter / Liverpool John Moores University. This dataset is made available under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licence. Users are free to share and adapt the material provided appropriate credit is given to the creator. Contents • Out The Bag - A Crass Routes Film by Adam Roberts JMU Intern 2015.mp4 – Video file (MP4), original version • Out The Bag - A Crass Routes Film_Improved Audio & Quality_No Credits.mp4 – Video file (MP4), improved audio and quality, no credits • Out The Bag - A Crass Routes Film_Improved Audio & Quality.mp4 – Video file (MP4), improved audio and quality File format: MP4 video Software required: Standard video playback software capable of opening MP4 files Methods The dataset was generated through video-based data collection. The materials comprise filmed content associated with the Out the bag project.