Pictured above: Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Housing, Communities and Local Government Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (left) and Homeless Link Director of Social Change Fiona Colley (right).
On 03 March representatives from over 100 Homeless Link members joined us in Parliament at Homeless Link’s Parliamentary Reception.
Throughout the day we were joined by dozens of MPs and Ministers, as we launched our new report ‘Mapping the Homelessness Workforce.’ MPs were encouraged to speak up for those working to end homelessness in their own communities, connecting with those offering support and prevention services in their constituency.
As well as an opportunity to connect with politicians and peers, the Reception featured a series of speeches from sector leaders reflecting on the value of the homelessness workforce. Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Minister Baroness Taylor of Stevenage acknowledged in her speech that staff and volunteers across the sector will be key to delivering the Government’s National Plan to End Homelessness.
Paula Barker MP, Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ending Homelessness also paid tribute to the invaluable contribution the voluntary sector has delivered during her many years as a homelessness campaigner. Andy Quinn, who works and volunteers with St. Mungo’s, and has lived experience of homelessness, also reflected on transformative difference quality homelessness services can make in some of the most difficult moments of people’s lives.
Wrapping up the event, Homeless Link CEO Rick Henderson shared some of the headlines of our ‘Mapping the Homelessness Workforce’ report. Noting the high levels of commitment identified amongst staff and volunteers in the report, he made a call for everyone in the room – politicians and organisational leaders – to fully empower their workforce. This, he argued will pay dividends in the long-term, with more members of our movement better able to deliver on our shared mission to build a country free from homelessness.
More on the ‘Mapping the Homelessness Workforce’ report
The ‘Mapping the Homelessness Workforce report, which contains landmark new research conducted by Homeless Link and commissioned by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, outlines the strength and scale of the sector, as well as the challenges currently facing staff and volunteers working to end homelessness.
Further details of the report can be read here.
Get involved in campaigning with Homeless Link
All Homeless Link members can join our Campaigns Network for further opportunities to connect with and influence politicians in your area and beyond. Sign up for our regular Campaigns Newsletter to get started.
