A package of measures announced that aim to help rough sleepers keep safe this winter
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First virtual sleep out helps launch new services
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Funding allocated for 3,300 new homes for rough sleepers
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Posted 29.10.20
GOV.UK: Further reading
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced that more than 3,300 new long-term homes for rough sleepers and other vulnerable people have been approved.
Backed by government investment of more than £150 million, the new homes will be made available in every region of England. This will enable people who sleep rough, or at risk of sleeping rough, to be rehoused in secure, long-term accommodation.
The homes will be available by the end of March 2021 and are part of the government's investment of £433 million to deliver 6,000 new homes for rough sleepers by the end of this Parliament.
In March, the government launched the 'Everyone In' campaign to house rough sleepers in safe accommodation, helping to protect lives during the pandemic.
By September, over 29,000 vulnerable people had been supported - with over 10,000 in emergency accommodation and nearly 19,000 provided with settled accommodation or move on support.
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Posted 28.10.20
Glass Door: Further reading
Glass Door held its first ever virtual sleep out with live-streamed interviews connected participants in the UK and beyond.
Over 300 participants gave up their beds across the UK and beyond on Friday, 2 October 2020 to raise awareness and funds for Glass Door's homeless support services, revamped for the coming winter to ensure guests, staff and volunteers remain safe during the global pandemic.
With wind gusting and rain lashing down all night long, participants slept in dispersed locations across London and beyond. Some were on rooftops and balconies. Others were in church doorways and vestries.
Due to government restrictions, Sleep Out 2020 went fully virtual, with a programme to keep everyone connected broadcast live from Duke of York Square.
The live-streamed programme includes a poem read by actor Colin Firth, a bedtime story read by actor Jim Carter, and a message from Dame Helen Mirren.
Presenters Bibi Lynch and Elizabeth Healey interview a range of special guests including Chelsea FC legend Paul Canoville, sleep specialist Dr Kat as well as former guests of Glass Door.
At midnight, DJ Northern Boy plays a soulful, mellow set to help participants wind down before sleep.
In the morning, yoga instructor Nadia Mishchanka provides a rise and shine session, which was followed by a final thank you message from CEO Lucy Abraham.
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Posted 13.10.20
GOV.UK: Further reading
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced a package of support aimed at helping rough sleepers and those at risk of becoming homeless to keep safe this winter.
The package includes:
These measures will help councils build on their existing plans to protect people over winter which have been supported by the £266 million Next Step Accommodation Programme - the aim of which is to keep people safe and ensure that as few people as possible return to the streets.
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