Ways To Help Page

 

General Considerations

 

Be respectful. Treat the person the same as you would anybody else you had just met for the first time. Smile and say hello. If they're receptive, ask them if they're new to the area if you’ve not seen them before.

 

 Please don’t wake people up if they are clearly just asleep. However, it is vital to discreetly ensure they are still breathing, for their own safety. If there is any cause for alarm it's essential to (safely) double-check & call 999 if you feel it's necessary.

 Learn the names of people you see often and use them.

 

Talk to family and friends about the subject and spread the word. Challenge stereotypes when you feel you can and then talk to your children about the subject.

Let me (and others) know of any services you are aware of that work with homeless people. I hope to build helpful regional lists of these with reader's help.

 

 

Small Acts of Kindness

Could you buy anything for a food bank when you do a major shop?

Make two or three sets of sandwiches or a snack and eat with a homeless person (I often take an apple). This can help avoid people feeling awkward and start to build rapport.

 Small value vouchers for coffee or sandwich shops can be more helpful than giving money. They can give peace of mind that the person gets food. It also gives them a chance to use a restroom and take shelter in times of bad weather. If you see the same person again, you can ask if they had any difficulties using the facility.

Donate unwanted items to your local charity shop. Even if the charity's aims aren’t specifically to help homeless people, it can provide people on a low income the means of buying essential items.

Find out if any businesses in your area are supportive of homeless people. Are there places that give out leftover food at the end of the day? If there are, can you direct homeless people there? (If you do visit such establishments yourself, make sure to let them know their kindness is why you're supporting their business). 

 

 

 

                                                                Be Proactive

Find out about volunteering opportunities in your area.

 

Ask a nearby café if they will let you ‘pay it forward’ so that a homeless person can pick up a drink and food when needed.

 

Contact your local MP. Tell them you are concerned about homelessness in your area. Ask them what they are doing about the issue.

 

Find out what services are available in your area. Ask a homeless person if they have tried any of them. Please don’t be offended if they have previously had negative experiences with the services.

  

Can you arrange a charity fundraising event? School, work, or any other group you are a member of are all good places to start.

 

 

 

 

Other Helpful Organisations

- Local libraries

- Drug and alcohol projects

- Affordable housing and fair rent campaigns

- Mental health charities

- Abuse support groups

 

Want to learn more? The National Audit Office, The Big Issue and The Rowntree Foundation have a wealth of useful information about homelessness. There are also helpful TED talks on YouTube.