Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Changing Lives’ supported accommodation service in Newcastle today, following the Government’s announcement of a new national drive to get people sleeping rough off the streets and into accommodation this Christmas.
The Prime Minister was joined by Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness for the visit on Wednesday 19 August.
During their time at Alex’s Place, they met residents over tea and coffee and heard directly about their experiences of homelessness and the support that has helped them move forward.
They were also given a tour of the service and met Changing Lives Chief Executive Stephen Bell OBE and Alex’s Place Service Manager Charlotte Powton to discuss the realities facing people experiencing homelessness and the importance of providing the right support alongside a safe place to live.
The visit came as the Government launched its ‘Everyone In for Christmas’ drive, with a commitment to offer everyone sleeping rough who needs it a route off the streets this winter.
The Government has announced a £442 million funding package, which will support immediate accommodation alongside longer-term housing, health and other support. The plans also include funding for more than 1,000 settled homes over the next three years and a national summit on ending rough sleeping this autumn.
Changing Lives welcomes the renewed national focus on ending rough sleeping and the recognition that providing accommodation must go hand in hand with the support people need to build a more stable future.
Stephen Bell OBE, Chief Executive of Changing Lives, said:
“Today was an important opportunity for the Prime Minister, Angela Rayner and Kim McGuinness to hear directly from people with lived experience of homelessness and from the staff supporting them every day.
“We strongly welcome the Government’s commitment to getting people off the streets. No one should have to sleep rough, at Christmas or at any other time of year.
“But getting someone through the door is only the beginning. If we are serious about ending homelessness for good, people need access to safe, long-term housing alongside the right support to address the challenges they face, rebuild their lives and move towards independence.
“We are committed to working with the Government, local authorities and our partners to build on today’s announcement and help turn the ambition of ending homelessness into a reality.”
The Government has said the new programme will combine immediate action this winter with longer-term measures to tackle rough sleeping, including practical support around housing and health and additional funding for charities and community organisations working with people experiencing homelessness.
At Changing Lives, we know that homelessness is rarely solved by housing alone. Lasting change comes from working alongside people, understanding their individual circumstances and ensuring they can access the housing, health and wider support they need.
Today’s announcement is an important step. We look forward to continuing to work with Government and partners across the country to make sure it is just the beginning.
