Ending Rough Sleeping

HARP, the Southend-based homelessness charity, has responded to the recent announcement by Prime Minister Andy Burnham of a new drive to get everyone sleeping rough off the streets by Christmas, backed by an additional £102 million in government funding.
Commenting on the announcement, a HARP spokesperson said: “We welcome this ambitious pledge to get Everyone In for Christmas.
“It worked well during Covid, and this is a step in the right direction. But a bed for Christmas only makes a lasting difference if it comes with real support – for addiction, mental health and housing – and doesn’t end in January when the funding and the headlines move on.
“Services, particularly mental health support, need to be joined up, as many people living on the streets have complex issues preventing them from accessing permanent housing.
“Homelessness is a real problem in Southend and the wider Essex area, and we’re ready to work with local and national government to make sure this funding reaches the people who need it most.”
HARP has been working with people experiencing homelessness in Southend and South Essex for over 25 years, providing accommodation, outreach, health and wellbeing support, and routes into training and employment.
The charity is calling on national and local government to ensure that any Christmas initiative is matched with joined-up, long-term investment in addiction services, mental health support and permanent housing, so that gains made this winter are not lost in the new year.
Picture: HARP HQ in Southend Highstreet
Read more
Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news
Contact us. Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news
Twitter: @leighonsea_news
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighonsea.news