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 people need to recover. They also offer 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 severely cold weather local authorities help open extra emergency night shelters to make sure they can get as many people inside at night as possible. 

How you can support 

Do: 

1. Donate  

Please donate online through Better Bankside’s Frost Fair Fund. All funds raised will be donated 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 100 people every day.  

1. 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. 

1. Volunteer 

Local businesses and residents are encouraged to volunteer their time, for example helping to distribute surplus food to charities and hostels, helping someone learn how to use a computer or raising funds for charities like The Manna Society. Please check Bankside Community Exchange for local opportunities.  

1. 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. 

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.