Homelessness... what do you know?

Here we are, Adam and William, on a Monday afternoon talking about our next article in a warm local bar, drinking cappuccinos, heavy rain outside, but inside there is relaxing music and a hum of friendly chatter surrounding us.

Hot topics for the column were the new year, the ‘getting back to work’ blues, trainline disturbances… until we heard the tragic news about a homeless man found dead on Weymouth Beach the previous day.

There wasn’t much to debate.

We both agreed homelessness was the topic we wanted to acknowledge this week.

We couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be sleeping on the streets. We thought about how scared and vulnerable we would feel, and how cold and hungry we might get. We definitely didn’t think we’d get any sleep – out of fear for our safety. Our first thoughts were how can we help, and immediately after, do homeless people even want our help?

As we sat in the warmth we came up with some ideas that could make the life of a homeless person a little easier, starting with our own shopping basket. First, if we all simply bought an extra tin of beans and donated to the food bank trolley each week, that could be a good start. We also wondered about doing a sponsored sleep out to raise money and awareness, although we quickly changed our minds when we remembered it was the middle of winter.

We next talked about giving money directly to people on the street. We speculated how the money might be spent and whether an offer of a hot meal be more appreciated. This particular issue proved quite uncomfortable and sparked a very healthy debate between us.

As we paid the bill, we realised we want to help but really have no idea about what it is like to be homeless... and certainly for that we are truly thankful.

Written by William Parmiter and Adam Kelly, supported by the Friendship Club.

The Friendship Club supports adults with learning disabilities to attend events in the community, promoting friendships and inclusion.

It is part of charity People First Dorset.

Supporting young people living rough

A 2013 report found that 68 per cent of homelessness organisations said there was not enough youth-specific emergency accommodation. And almost half of local authorities reported placing young people in unsuitable B&B accommodation.

It’s estimated that as many as 80,000 young people experience homelessness in the UK every year.

You are entitled to housing, financial support or both from social services if you are under 18 and you:

  • have a disability
  • are a care leaver and have been in care for 13 weeks or more since the age of 14, at least some of which was while you were aged 16 or 17
  • have come to the UK from abroad and are not here with a parent or guardian
  • are classed as being a ‘child in need’ (almost all 16 or 17-year-olds who have nowhere to live will be classed as ‘in need’)

How youngsters end up on streets 

THERE are lots of reasons why young people can become homeless. Centrepoint, which helps young homeless people, says a major one is family and relationship breakdown. Some have experienced long-term problems, sometimes involving violence, and don’t have the family support network most of us take for granted.

The cost of homelessness to the public purse is very high. This is due to a number of factors including:

  • Higher use of acute health services and the criminal justice system
  • Expensive temporary accommodation
  • Prolonged periods on welfare benefits