As we emerge from a global pandemic into a national cost of living crisis, support for vulnerable rough sleepers is more vital than ever. A huge amount of work was done to help keep vulnerable people safe throughout the Covid crisis - and what's been achieved to help people off the streets shows what can be done with the right resources in place.

But we now face a new range of challenges as the full financial impact of the increases to the costs of living start to bite. People are experiencing greater hardship, especially the most vulnerable in our community.

Better for everyone

Make Change Count is the city's combined fundraising campaign that provides much needed funds to local charities who support and prevent homelessness. It has been running since 2016 and is supported by Brighton & Hove City Council, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner and Sussex Police. It does three things:

It offers a great alternative for people who want to give change to rough sleepers, but recognise that their money can do more.

It facilitates the professional help that is needed to give a homeless person the best chance to get off the streets and into safety.

It supports vital charities in the city who work together to provide effective support. These charities include:

For adults

Antifreeze - Off the Fence's afternoon and evening outreach and day centre

BHT Sussex - day centre, residential rehabilitation, mental health services, specialist housing & legal services, and learning and training initiatives

Equinox - drug & alcohol outreach

YMCA Brighton - advice, support, guidance, accommodation, training and education for adults and young people

For young people

Sussex Nightstop - temporary accommodation in welcoming homes

The Clock Tower Sanctuary - Brighton's only day centre for 16-25 year olds

YMCA Downslink Group - advice, support, guidance and accommodation

The most effective use of your money

Every penny donated to the campaign goes directly to people in need - no funds raised are used by any of the charities for administration and they all contribute to the campaign at no cost.

Outreach workers and street services guide people to access the right accommodation where they will be further helped on a one-to-one basis to recover physically and mentally from the trauma of rough sleeping. People need help and support to adapt to living in new ways. Helping people away from rough sleeping takes time and compassion. Contributions are then used to provide food, access to shower facilities, healthcare, clothing and a wide range of practical help, based on individual needs.

If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough in England or Wales, contact Streetlink via www.streetlink.org.uk or by calling 0300 500 0914. The details you provide are sent to the local authority or outreach to help them find the individual and connect them to support. Outreach workers are experienced in supporting people to move away from the streets.