Tackling rough sleeping in city
An MP who is holding a conference to ‘shine a spotlight’ on homelessness is hoping to find a solution to reduce the amount of rough sleepers and people in temporary accommodation in the city. Wera Hobhouse is co-hosting the event with homeless charity, Julian House’s operations director, Roanne Wootten, in a bid to highlight the issue of the number of homeless people in Bath. Both Wera and Roanne are hoping the conference will help give the city’s homeless people a chance to be represented. Wera said: “Homelessness is a tragedy of the modern age, often made worse by the lack of social housing. While rough sleeping is the visible side of homelessness, there is a hidden side that also concerns me greatly. “There are too many families with children in temporary accommodation, and too many young people sofa-surfing. A decent home must be a right for all those in our society.” Homeless Link and Albert Kennedy Trust will also take part in the conference and will deliver keynotes, before showcasing the excellent work of Julian House, Developing Health and Independence (DHI) and Off the Record. Ms Wootten is hoping the conference will help to get a plan in place which will help homeless people and potentially reduce the number of people sleeping rough on Bath’s streets. She said: “Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a whole community response. There is never one simple reason why individuals or families become homeless and so much excellent work takes place by multiple agencies to prevent and resolve homelessness. “Rough sleepers suffer disproportionate health problems to the rest of the population and it is vital that everyone comes together to plan for a better future that reduces homelessness and rough sleeping in Bath and North East Somerset.” Wera has invited local politicians from all parties to attend the conference and has extended the invitation to members of the public from across the region. She said: “The successful partnership approach Bath has adopted is something we should champion across the South West.” The final panel session will be chaired by Gavin Thompson, editor of the Bath Chronicle. Gavin said “This showcasing of what we’re doing really well here in Bath is something the Chronicle is happy to support. At the same time, we can always do better to support the vulnerable. Homelessness on the streets of Bath is something our readers are concerned about, and this panel session is an opportunity to quiz the organisations involved.” The conference will be held on Friday, November 9, from 2pm until 5pm at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI) in Queen Square.