Helping rough sleepers and the homeless in the UK

Over the last couple of days, infact since last year, there has been much talk about immigration in the UK. The Syrian refugee crisis, and the awful photos and videos beamed into our homes last year were very distressing to many to witness.

I think it is only right that the UK take in and help some of the refugees. It is the only humane thing to do. This has however been a controversial topic which sparked phone in after phone in on talk radio stations, took up lots of airtime and press coverage, and the debate still goes on.

The mood of the nation felt like it shifted a bit after the horrific Paris attacks, and the outpouring of sympathy and goodwill fell off a bit.

I tend to like debates and discussions, and one of the things friends and family have mentioned when taking about the refugee crisis, is how quick as a nation we are to jump to their aid, whilst not seeming to really tackle helping the rough sleepers and homeless in this country.

I am so fortunate to live in a secure, warm, friendly home. But for so many this couldn't be further from the case. Why do people end up homeless and sleeping rough? I get so angry with people who say they choose this way of life. How many people would really choose to live with no fixed abode? None of the things that most of us take for granted - running water, heat, shelter, being able to heat up food etc. This must be even worse in the winter months. Yes, there may be a small proportion of them who have chosen this lifestyle (though I can't imagine what the appeal is!). But most of these people have no alternative. They are ex-service men and women, vulnerable people, often with mental health issues. They may be victims of abuse or have had to leave home to due to a family breakup, or financial problems. The list goes on....... They may also have drink and / or drug problems that further complicate their ability to build a stable life, or access support.

I read a lovely post on Facebook today from a friend who has started to carry round a spare pair of socks in their pocket. Why you may ask? Well, apparently one of the most sought after items for a rough sleeper is a warm, clean, dry pair of socks. My friend gave a pair to someone today who was very grateful. What a wonderful and simple idea.

But these people are invisible in our society. We pass them by on a daily basis. Mostly not even noticing they are there, or tutting that they are in the way or whatever. They are looked down on by lots of people as being inferior, dirty, mad people, a scourge, and many other negatives. Very few people really seem to think about what life is like for them.Our lives are so busy we walk past without a second thought and go on with our daily activities.

Some wonderful people do try to help. They might buy them a drink, or give them a meal etc. And yes, I am sure we have all heard stories of someone being ungrateful or rude. I once heard that someone bought a sandwich, trying to do a good deed, only to be told that they can't take it as they are a vegetarian. I did chuckle at that one.

So whilst we as individuals can do our bit to help out on an adhoc basis, what is being done to really help tackle and solve the problem in the UK? I never see front page headlines, with multiple pages in papers dedicated to their plight. The radio phone in's don't really talk about them, except occasionally as part of the refugee debates. I can't remember budget pledges to invest money in tackling the crisis.

I did have a quick look on the internet, but most of what I found was outdated, or not really clear. So in a bored five minutes today I have emailed David Cameron to ask what the Government is doing about the issue. I have also emailed Jeremy Corbyn, Tim Farron, Alex Salmond, Nigel Farage, Natalie Bennett and also Boris Johnson, in his role as London Mayor, to ask what they are doing as parties to challenge the government, and draw attention to the issue.

This is what I sent to David Cameron:

Dear Mr Cameron

Whilst I applaud the UK's agreement to rightly accept refugees, it has opened some discussion with friends and family. People have pointed out that we still have a large number of people in the UK who sleep on the streets, which is awful at any time, but particularly in the winter. 

I have tried to search for what the government is doing to tackle this issue, but all documents I come across seem quite dated. 

I wonder if it would be possible to outline what steps are being taken, and point me in the direction of an idiots overview. 

It does seem awful that ex-servicemen and women, vulnerable people, and others are left without adequate shelter and support. They seem to be invisible in society, and never focused on in budgets or other high profile spending.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

I wonder if I will get any responses and any enlightenment?

Hmm lets see.....

Jill, over and out.......