Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts today (Friday, 13 March 2020) visited Depaul UK’s office in Sheffield city centre.
Mr Betts spoke with young people about their experiences of homelessness and the challenges they have faced trying to escape it.
He said: “I was really pleased to meet staff at Depaul and some of the young people they have been providing help to. Stopping young people from ending up homeless on the streets is a really vital service.
“I was however concerned to hear their stories of struggling to claim Universal Credit and the unavailability of permanent affordable accommodation, I will continue to challenge the Government on both these issues in Parliament.”
Depaul UK is a national youth homelessness charity, funded in part by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, delivering a number of projects in Sheffield.
As well as providing supported accommodation to help young people affected by homelessness, the charity carries out prevention work in schools and with families, and emergency accommodation through its Nightstop service.
Depaul’s Assistant Area Director for Sheffield Sarah Gregory said: “We’re very proud of the wrap-around services we’re able to offer to young people facing homelessness in Sheffield.
“Unfortunately, the Government’s own statistics confirm that more people, including young people, are sleeping rough in Sheffield. We’re really pleased that such an influential MP came to find out Depaul about why more people are finding themselves without a roof over their heads.”
She added: “We hope to work with Clive to convince the Government to invest in homelessness prevention services, truly affordable homes and to close the gaps in the welfare safety net.
“I urge members of the public who want to tackle homelessness to visit our website, where they can find out about providing emergency accommodation by becoming a Nightstop host or helping in other ways.”
Media Contact: Rosie Kelly rosie.kelly@depaulcharity.org.uk (07961 783 809)
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