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Mayor launches 'Always
Room Inside' rough sleepers campaign
A public information campaign about
Liverpool City Council's new approach to tackling rough sleeping has just been
launched. 'Always Room Inside' is the message; ensuring
there is greater public awareness about the Council's 24/7 provision to get
people off the streets and into a warm, secure environment. As well as the
day facilities at the Whitechapel Centre on Langsdale Street, the Council has
recently opened a new night shelter, at Labre House, on Camden Street which is
already providing rough sleepers with overnight accommodation, where they can
rest, wash, get something to eat and use computer and telephone facilities to
keep in touch with family and friends. Labre House is set to become a hub
providing a wide range of services for rough sleepers, including:- GP and health
services, welfare and housing advice and support to help rough sleepers turn
their lives around. Together with the Council's active outreach teams;
which includes a Labre House minibus helping bring rough sleepers to the Centre;
it is hoped that the numbers sleeping on the streets can be reduced and that no
one has to spend a single night outside. 'Always Room Inside'
branding will start appearing around the City Centre in coming days, including
the large mounted display screens throughout the City Centre and at the end of
the M62. The hope is that it will encourage the public to urge any rough
sleepers they meet to head towards Labre House for help and support.
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, explained:- "There is nothing worse than
finding yourself on the streets without a place to go in weather like this. I am
absolutely determined that no human being should ever be in that position, which
is why we have launched Labre House and the 'Always Room Inside' campaign.
Altogether, the council spend ₤18 million a year helping people and families
that have fallen on hard times, preventing many from becoming homeless in the
1st place. Rough sleeping is the visible bit of the problem; the tip of the
iceberg; and now requires a more concerted approach. As a result, we have the
funding and facilities in place to address the problem and this campaign will
help to get the message out that help is available and that there is, literally,
'Always Room Inside.'" |
