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Liverpool councils join campaign to end rough sleeping Liverpool councils join campaign to end rough sleeping
(40 minutes later)
Liverpool and five neighbouring councils have become the first local authorities outside London to sign up to a campaign aiming to end the problem of rough sleeping by the end of the year.Liverpool and five neighbouring councils have become the first local authorities outside London to sign up to a campaign aiming to end the problem of rough sleeping by the end of the year.
The project – called No Second Night Out – was set up by Homeless Link, which delivers a monthly briefing to the government on homelessness trends and works with councils, charities and faith groups. It has recently reported a rise in women using homelessness services. .The project – called No Second Night Out – was set up by Homeless Link, which delivers a monthly briefing to the government on homelessness trends and works with councils, charities and faith groups. It has recently reported a rise in women using homelessness services. .
In Liverpool, a study of rough sleepers found that nine people were sleeping on the city's streets. The figure was much higher in 2008 – the city's year as European Capital of Culture – when 200 people were sleeping rough. On the Wirral, there were four rough sleepers and just two in St Helens. Those councils, along with Knowsley, Sefton and Halton have also joined the initiative.In Liverpool, a study of rough sleepers found that nine people were sleeping on the city's streets. The figure was much higher in 2008 – the city's year as European Capital of Culture – when 200 people were sleeping rough. On the Wirral, there were four rough sleepers and just two in St Helens. Those councils, along with Knowsley, Sefton and Halton have also joined the initiative.
Councillors signed up on Thursday to the No Second Night Out pledge to end rough sleeping.Councillors signed up on Thursday to the No Second Night Out pledge to end rough sleeping.
Marie Wright, of Halton council, said the life expectancy of a rough sleeper was just 42. The reasons why people find themselves sleeping rough can vary from relationship with parents breaking down, to issues with alcohol or drug abuse.Marie Wright, of Halton council, said the life expectancy of a rough sleeper was just 42. The reasons why people find themselves sleeping rough can vary from relationship with parents breaking down, to issues with alcohol or drug abuse.
"No one who finds themselves sleeping rough should spend a second night ... across this city region," she said. A dedicated phone number has been set up so people can let the authorities know if they see someone sleeping rough. It is being advertised on bus shelters, at transport hubs and there will be posters around the region.""No one who finds themselves sleeping rough should spend a second night ... across this city region," she said. A dedicated phone number has been set up so people can let the authorities know if they see someone sleeping rough. It is being advertised on bus shelters, at transport hubs and there will be posters around the region."
John Leyland, a former rough sleeper, who is 45, said he used to get bottles "cobbed" [thrown] at him when he was on the streets in St Helens and he was verbally and physically abused by young men coming out of pubs.John Leyland, a former rough sleeper, who is 45, said he used to get bottles "cobbed" [thrown] at him when he was on the streets in St Helens and he was verbally and physically abused by young men coming out of pubs.
"I've slept on park benches, skips, in shop doorways," he said. "One of my mates was in a skip when they started lifting it up to empty it.""I've slept on park benches, skips, in shop doorways," he said. "One of my mates was in a skip when they started lifting it up to empty it."
Leyland was orphaned at 18 and then became homeless in St Helens. "If something like this No Second Night initiative had been around back then, I wouldn't have gone through what I have," he said. "The problem of rough sleepers is only going to get worse with benefits being cut, people losing their jobs and then their homes."Leyland was orphaned at 18 and then became homeless in St Helens. "If something like this No Second Night initiative had been around back then, I wouldn't have gone through what I have," he said. "The problem of rough sleepers is only going to get worse with benefits being cut, people losing their jobs and then their homes."
Becki Ross is another who has experienced being forced to sleep rough. She believes the No Second Night Out initiative is crucial to prevent further problems.Becki Ross is another who has experienced being forced to sleep rough. She believes the No Second Night Out initiative is crucial to prevent further problems.
"People can be so judgmental and stigmatise you," she said. "But often the problems are not your own fault.""People can be so judgmental and stigmatise you," she said. "But often the problems are not your own fault."
No Second Night Out began a pilot project in inner London in April last year. Its ethos is "there is no reason for anyone to sleep rough for a second night." It delivers a 24/7 emergency service for rough sleepers. No Second Night Out began a pilot project in inner London in April last year, as a mayoral initiative. Its ethos is "there is no reason for anyone to sleep rough for a second night." It delivers a 24/7 emergency service for rough sleepers.