New Government figures published last week confirm that rough sleeping in England is back on the rise. Main findings include:
The number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2023 has risen by 27% since 2022
Rough sleeping has increased in every region of England compared to the previous year
The majority of people sleeping rough in England are male, aged over 26 years old and from the UK. This is similar to previous years
Thanks to strong multi-sector partnerships - Manchester is bucking the trend with a 17% reduction in rough sleeping according to the most recent count. We are however still seeing an increase in new registrations by people who are in danger of becoming homeless.
Last week, Jo spoke to Nicky Campbell on BBC Radio 5 Live about the new rough sleeping data, which you can listen back to at the top of the post or below:
Entirely Predictable and Entirely Preventable
A recent Guardian article cited the new rise in homelessness a ‘source of national shame’, pointing at the below factors as contributors of the current housing crisis:
Soaring rents
Inadequate housing benefit
A lack of affordable housing
No ending of ‘no fault evictions’
To tackle this, Mustard Tree is a member of the ‘Social Homes 4 Manchester’ coalition, calling for six pledge commitments, with the building of at least 30% social homes included in all new developments in Manchester. We have had some initial, promising conversations with Manchester City Council and look forward to developing these further.
Class of 2024
Once every few weeks, we host an event for graduating Freedom Project trainees. Last week we celebrated Stella, Ronald, Felicia and Hengameh, who had some words to share of their time at Mustard Tree.
International Women’s Day
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #InspiringInclusion - celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness about discrimination.
I was over at our Little Hulton hub this week, where our team and partners was supporting a gentleman called Jason* who is currently sleeping rough. We purchased a weekly bus ticket so Jason was able to keep warm and charge his phone, while we work with him to secure accommodation.
Yesterday, Jason sent us a screenshot of a message he posted: “A massive thanks to Alison from Mustard Tree, Sarah from Living Well Salford and last but not least to Charlotte from Worsley Job Centre. Now I’ve got three strong Women behind me helping me get out of this struggle - wish me luck folks…”
“Now I’ve got three strong women behind me helping me get out of this struggle I’ve been thrown into” - Jason
We’re very grateful to Jason for sharing this with us, which champions our female colleagues and illustrates the importance of partnerships between Mustard Tree and other organisations working together to support people in our communities.
30 Years Combatting Poverty and Preventing Homelessness
2024 marks 30 years since Dave and Shona Smith founded Mustard Tree. We’ll be hosting various events throughout the year to celebrate and commemorate with all our incredible supporters, including a street party and dinner event - watch this space for more details.
Join our Movement
Thank you to all our supporters who give us hope each and every day. If you believe in our approach to combatting poverty and preventing homelessness, would you consider donating £5-a-month to help fund our training and support services?
To those who have already joined our movement for change by giving to us monthly - THANK YOU! Please help us get the word out by sharing this newsletter with family, friends, colleagues and community members.
*Jason’s name has been changed to protect his identity
Appalling but not Surprising