Help Us Tackle Homelessness

As winter tightens its grip on London, the lives of people having to sleep on the street become even more challenging. Not only are the cold temperatures dangerous, but did you know that nine in ten people sleeping rough in England have experienced violence or abuse on the street, half have been physically attacked and one in five had someone urinate on or next to them? In many cases, the perpetrator of the last incident experienced by respondents was a passer-by. 

Behind the issue of homelessness lie complex challenges such as (mental) health, financial hardship, losing a job, family breakdowns, and housing shortages. Better Bankside wishes to encourage homeless people to move off the streets into safer and more stable ways of living. 

Local government, the Better Bankside wardens and charities offer help by providing food, washing facilities, and places to sleep, giving people the time and space they need to recover. They also provide healthcare, housing and welfare advice, skills and employment programmes and run outreach teams that go out day and night to connect the people on the street to these services.

During severe cold weather, the Mayor of London, local councils and homelessness charities activate the ‘Severe Weather Emergency Protocol’, which opens additional emergency accommodation for people who are sleeping rough during freezing conditions that could pose a threat to life.  The Mayor of London’s ‘In for Good’ principle also means that nobody is asked to leave this emergency accommodation until a support plan is in place to end their rough sleeping, regardless of an increase in temperature and changing weather conditions.

 How you can support 

Do: 

• Use Streetlink 

If you spot someone sleeping rough, use the Streetlink app or hotline to alert local services, connecting individuals with the support they need.   

• Donate  

Please donate online to local charity The Manna Society, helping to fund their Day Centre, offering hot food, showers, advice on housing and welfare, healthcare, clothing, and access to computers and mobile phone chargers to more than 120 people every day.

• Be kind 

A compassionate gesture can go a long way. Acknowledge the humanity of those you encounter on the streets. Something as simple as a smile, or stopping to say hello and check they are ok. 

• Be Generous

Every year, the Bankside Christmas Gift Appeal provides gift parcels to people dealing with homelessness, mental health challenges and to our older neighbours in Bankside.  The Manna Society, St Mungo’s and Robes Project are three local-based organisations supported by generous Banksiders at this time of year.  You can help by donating gift items through the online wish lists or by volunteering at one of the gift wrapping activities.

Don’t: 

• Give Money: While well-intentioned, direct cash donations may not address the underlying issues and can be used more effectively through established channels.
   
• Provide food, sleeping bags or tents: These items might not suit individual needs. Established services can provide appropriate shelter options, food, and other help.  

By supporting existing services and adhering to thoughtful guidelines, the community can make a positive impact during these challenging times.