January - 2018

New homelessness statistics report record highs.

In a recent report, official figures show that rough sleeping has risen in the UK for the seventh consecutive year and as our provision increases, unfortunately so does the demand. We work hard with local people to help them avoid reaching crisis and support almost 400 people to avoid homelessness completely each year; but unfortunately due to societal changes like cuts to public services, changes to benefits, and soaring property and rental prices, we have seen an overall in

Should you give homeless people money?

Should you give homeless people money? The nation was well and truly divided last week after Gloucester City Council released new posters questioning the appropriateness of giving money to people on the streets. The poster, which is headlined “Are You Really Helping Homeless People?”, has offended many with its implications that not all those that are on the streets are genuinely homeless. The poster goes on to suggest that people wanting to help should donate to charities an

Local actor Alex Hassell visits HARP, Southend’s Homeless Charity

Alex Hassell, star of recent BBC period drama The Miniaturist, visited HARP, Southend’s Homeless Charity, to show his support for those fighting to overcome homelessness. The local actor, who was born in Leigh-on-Sea, and his wife Emma King, also an actor, have been Patrons of HARP since 2016, and they recently took a break from their busy schedule to visit the charity that has always been close to the family’s heart. Alex had an amazing 2017, with his first major Hollywood r

Golf club’s fundraising events are a swinging success

Golfers at the Garon Park Golf Complex on Eastern Avenue, Southend, are stepping into 2018 with more than just their golfing achievements under their belts - they are starting the year off with a huge donation of £7383.89 to Southend’s Homeless Charity, HARP. Last January the club named HARP as their ‘Charity of the Year’ and they have been holding fundraising events throughout 2017 to support the local charity that helps over 1,000 people facing homelessness every year. Ladi

Connect people sleeping rough to local services and support

StreetLink, an app and website that enables the public to connect rough sleepers to services that can help them, has had a revamp! In Southend, we are lucky to belong to a compassionate community who care about the more vulnerable people in our society. But, often when we speak to members of the public, they are unsure on the best way to help. Last year, we launched a campaign ‘Don’t Just Walk By’, which encouraged the community to talk to people without a permanent home and