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Homeless put in spotlight as cuts bite
GOOD SUPPORT ... at the presentation for Poverty and Homeless action week, are front left, Ross Allan, service manager, and Jean Southern, chief officer, with other helpers.
DOZENS of people attended an event highlighting poverty and homelessness as the need for support services among young people in South Tyneside escalates.
Staged as part of national Poverty and Homelessness Action Week, the event attracted councillors, Church representatives, young people receiving help, volunteers and other community members.
The drop-in day, held at South Tyneside Churches’ Key Project in Whitehead Street, Tyne Dock, South Shields, included the screening of a DVD, featuring young people facing the twin issues of homelessness and poverty.
Key Project chief officer, Jean Southern, said: “More than 40 people attended the event, which was excellent.
“We had to have two sittings as we could not fit everyone into the room.
“After the presentation, there was a spontaneous, lively discussion on budget cuts and the plight of young people who are homeless.
“Local councillors turned out in force to support us, including Coun Jim Foreman, South Tyneside Council’s lead member for children and young people.
“A number of the young people we support also attended, along with volunteers and supporters from the local churches, and officers from other agencies also showed their support.”
The Key Project, which helps young people with complex and varying needs, has seen a two-fold increase in demand for its services recently – from 62 young people needing help locally in 2009/2010 to 134 last year.
Miss Southern added: “These are very difficult times, and funding is being cut.
“We need to continue this vital work, but we will be unable to do this without increased support from the community.
“But I am absolutely delighted with the response to our open event, and it shows that there is a lot of support for the work of Key within South Tyneside.”
Poverty and Homelessness Action Week was organised by Church Action on Poverty, Housing Justice and Scottish Churches Housing Action.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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Comments
There are 5 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
BoldonLad
Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 03:52 PMBB, I think you will find that homelessness is more complex than simply the number of 2 or 3 bedroom house available. Those who are homeless often, but not always, have more fundamental problems of functioning in the "real" world. Clearly having enough houses available is a good start, but it is not the total solution.
sanddancer
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 02:09 PMBB, your thoughts sound good in theory. But how would it work in practice? Many people who currently live in larger homes, will have lived there for many years. No doubt they will have invested in thier home over the years to a greater or lesser extent. I doubt if STMBC would take that into account when moving you. You would be more likely to be put into a home that is run down and in need of significant work. Im not sure what the solution is, but evicting those living alone is not the answer.
bohemianblogger
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 01:22 PMWhen I hear of single persons living in council 2 and 3 bed housing, with no kids, I ask again whjy are the local councils not doing something about this. There are families, two parents, two kids shoved in to a one bed flat while single persons are in 2 and 3 bed houses, there is something deeply wrong at STC to allow this to continue.
hayley4315
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 10:57 AMnobody should be homeless, shame on those who pocket large salaries within south tyneside , be a good person, give some cash.
myviewonlyandonlymine
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 08:22 AMI'd give the one with the yellow cardigan a job, she's a bonny lass
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