Poverty charity Big Help Project, based in Kensington, insists that homelessness is on the rise in Merseyside, and that the media’s lack of representation of the community contributes to the problem.
Kevin Pilnick, head of External Affairs at Big Help Group, said: “You’ve got no social housing and private renting being really out of reach for people, which is leading to
more people becoming homeless.”
The charity has been working hard to help reduce those living in poverty around the region through numerous schemes and support efforts.
Kevin added: “One of our biggest schemes that has been a really big success is our ‘Fresh Start’ scheme, which is a scheme for people who would be homeless on their release from prison.”
The scheme exists to help vulnerable people make positive lifestyle changes by addressing issues such as homelessness, financial issues, offending behaviours, mental health, unemployment, and addiction.
Individuals on the scheme are offered a service that includes supported housing, development plans, work-based training, and much more.
Kevin added: “We run a series of food clubs around the region where people can go and pick up some food for much cheaper price than they would get in the supermarket, and we are seeing lots of people in temporary accommodation at the food clubs.”
In regard to homeless people being underrepresented in the media, the charity believe it is partially to blame for the rising homelessness crisis.
Kevin said: “I can’t think of a time where I’ve seen a homeless person’s opinion on a press piece, whether that’s written or a piece on the news, they just don’t seem to be involved.”
- To help support one of Big Help’s Food Clubs, contact 0151 673 1250 or email [email protected]
Featured image (c) Linda Fletcher Wikimedia Commons
Logo: George McHugh
