Take a step. Help end rough sleeping

Life on the streets damages people and communities.

7 March 2012 | 16.00 - 18.00 | house of commons

Our reception

Homeless Link is campaigning to end homelessness. On the 7th March 2012, we launched the next drive, with a campaign to stop rough sleeping at an event at the Houses of Parliament.

On any one night nearly 1800 people sleep rough. In modern Britain no one should live on the streets. This event showcased the steps that individuals and organisations are taking to help end rough sleeping.

There were speeches from the Minister for Housing and Local Government, The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP and the Shadow Housing Minister, Jack Dromey MP, as well as from two individuals who have had experience of sleeping rough.

Press play to listen to the speeches from the event.

The event was by invitation only.

Our vision: A COUNTRY FREE OF ROUGH SLEEPING

Every night someone sleeps rough for the first time. Life on the streets is damaging to both the person who is homeless and society. To tackle rough sleeping once and for all, we need to focus our energy on meeting four simple steps:

1.    No one should spend a second night out
2.    No one should live on the streets
3.    No one should return to the streets
4.    And ultimately no one should arrive on the streets.

Everyone can help play a part in ending rough sleeping. This event showcased some of the steps, both big and small, that someone can take to help someone get back on their feet. If you would like to get involved with this campaign, and become an advocate for ending rough sleeping, by pledging your step, please visit http://homeless.org.uk/take-a-step or contact Hannah Cornford.

Personal Stories: Homelessness In The UK

This collection of short films was played at the reception, and represents some of the personal stories of people affected by poverty and homelessness in the UK.

Homeless Link would like to thank the following organisations for contributing their films:

150 Voices
Arc Light
Film For Thought
Hope Housing
Mayday Trust
Out Side Film
Providence Row Charity
Providence Row Housing Association
The Connection at St Martin's