There are times however when we may require the full strength of the trade union movement behind us to tackle inequality and make our workplaces and communities a safer and fairer place for all . A team of four Jo Pitchford , Lorraine Winson , Shirley Buckley and Lisa Ryan took part in the Whitechapel ’ s “ Sleepout ” in October . The event took place in St . Nicholas ’ s church yard on The Strand in Liverpool and around 200 people participated . We arrived at the venue around 7:30pm with our sleeping bags and flasks of coffee and began the task of constructing a shelter . We were given cardboard and plastic sheeting in order to build a structure which would shelter us from the elements . Luckily for our team , although the night was quite crisp and breezy , the skies were clear which meant it stayed dry , had it rained , our attempt at a shelter would have offered very little protection .
After some entertainment from an ex rough sleeper on guitar , we settled down for the night . The venue is several feet above ground level and directly faces the river Mersey , so it felt rather cold once it got later . It was difficult to sleep because of the cold , the noise of the traffic and the hard ground . Although we had people watching the gates and ensuring we were all safe as we slept , it was still very difficult to settle . People started rising around 5:30 and there were bacon sandwiches available plus warm drinks . After the site was cleared , we all headed off to our homes and our families .
We had just one night to give us a tiny insight into what life is like for a rough sleeper . We were able to go back to our warm homes , have warm baths , change our clothes , eat food and all of the things we take for granted .
A rough sleeper would need to carry their few belongings around with them , will have to beg for a warm drink or food , often has insufficient clothing to keep them warm . They will wake up cold and stay cold all day . They try to find the safest place they can to sleep at night , often choosing to sleep in shop doorways on city high streets as they are usually covered by CCTV and may offer a deterrent to people attacking these vulnerable people .
Every rough sleeper has a different story to tell , from the ex- forces personnel who was not able to adjust to life on civvy street , the man who left the family home following a divorce and had no support , the woman who was evicted after falling behind with the rent following the introduction of bedroom tax , the teenager who was raised and failed by the care system to the inevitable person who is the victim of substance abuse . The only thing that is certain is the number of rough sleepers has risen dramatically over recent years and also the number of families depending on food banks since the Tories imposed austerity measures , slashed help for low paid workers , introduced the bedroom tax , reduced funding for local councils and put a strangle hold on NHS funding . Since 201 there has been 102 % increase in the number of rough sleepers .
As we have all become more and more aware of the number of rough sleepers appearing on our city streets , the Forum chose to do something practical to help . As a result of taking part in the “ sleepout ”, we have managed to raise the amazing sum of £ 3,600 from sponsorship from local branches , friends and families . We are truly humbled by such generosity and this money will be put to good use . Whitechapel have teams who go out at night times taking warm drinks , food and dry clothing to those who are currently sleeping on the streets . They have a centre in central Liverpool which can be accessed by rough sleepers , there they can shower and change into clean , dry clothing . There are tutors who provide sessions on everything from managing finances and running a home to art and music . This offers a network of support for those who are ready to try and move into accommodation , there are links to supported living centres and local housing associations as well as counselling and life skills , or maybe just drop in for a coffee and a sympathetic chat . During the last year Whitechapel prepared over 8,500 breakfasts for rough sleepers , supported 1,174 homeless people into the right accommodation and prevented a further 984 becoming homeless . They gave out 4,000 day travel passes to allow people to get to accommodation meetings and medical appointments .
In England , the biggest single recorded reason for homelessness is now the loss of an assured shorthold tenancy - the type of tenancy most commonly held by private renters .
As there are all different reasons why people end up sleeping rough , there are also many different solutions needed to solve the problem , the money we have raised will go a long way in helping with this .
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