More than a quarter of people in the UK (28%) believe that rough sleepers have themselves to blame for ending up on the streets.
Aside from being upsetting (and inaccurate), these views often overlook the barriers people face, leading to more challenges for those already in very vulnerable situations.
We would like to introduce Phil who lost his job due to ill health, which ultimately resulted in him losing his home. After spending his remaining money on a B&B, Phil found himself sleeping rough.
Unsure where to turn, Phil reached out to Hanley Connect where he was offered a bed in the Night Shelter and supported to refer into housing providers.