Council holds event to help homeless (From Worcester News)

Council holds event to help homeless

5:40pm Tuesday 15th January 2013 in News By Neil Watts

A free event will raise awareness and funds for Worcester’s homeless.

The city council’s first Homelessness Action Day will be held in the Guildhall on Saturday, January 26, from 10am to 4pm.

Called Homeless, Not Helpless, it will see representatives from local organisations giving advice on volunteer opportunities and other ways to support their work .

An official head count in the city in late 2011 found 17 people sleeping rough, and homelessness has risen steadily in the UK since 2010.

Mayor of Worcester Roger Berry said: “Homelessness is an isolating and destructive experience, and homeless people are some of the most vulnerable and socially excluded in our society. Unfortunately, homelessness is likely to increase further, as the delayed effects of the economic downturn, cuts to housing benefit and other reforms start to take effect.

“In Worcester we will be aiming to ensure no one new to the streets spends a second night out. Action must be taken to help people find a route out of their predicament. We must work together to end homelessness.

“Homelessness is a complex issue and no single voluntary sector organisation, government agency, local authority or central government department can prevent homelessness alone, but active partnership working can make a big impact.”

Paralympic archery silver medalist Mel Clarke and two YMCA residents who competed in the World Homeless World Cup last year will be at the event.

Representatives from St Paul’s, Worcester YMCA, Maggs Day Centre, South Worcestershire Nightstop, Worcester Citizens Advice Bureau and Worcester Housing and Benefits Advice Centre, Worcester Community Housing and other local organisations will also be in attendance.