Stepping in, not stepping over.

The clocks have gone back. The mornings are lighter but the evenings are now darker earlier and our clients are feeling increasingly out in the cold.

Sir Bob Kerslake was a passionate supporter of social change and an advocate of inclusivity. His influence led to the commissioning of the Kerslake Report in 2021 into the causes and cures for homelessness. Sadly, he died in July this year, shortly before the publication in September of his Report. At Off The Fence we try to make a practical and immediate difference to the lives of people we help who live on the streets. Why do we do this?

First, the number of homeless people is increasing. The report found that there were 280,000 homeless people in England in 2022, up from 267,000 in 2021. This increase is due to a number of factors, including the rising cost of living and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Second, homeless people are more likely to die young. The average life expectancy for a homeless person is 45 years old (47 for men; 43 for women), compared to 79 years old for the general population. This is due to a number of factors, including poor health, substance abuse, and violence.

Third, homeless people are more likely to experience mental health problems. The report found that 47% of homeless people have a mental health condition, compared to 25% of the general population. This is mainly due to trauma, abuse, and social isolation.

Fourth, homeless people are more likely to be victims of crime. The report found that 44% of homeless people have been victims of crime in the past year, compared to 16% of the general population. This can be ascribed to vulnerability and their lack of access to support services.

The Report makes a number of recommendations for how to help the homeless, including:

• Increasing funding for homelessness services

• Providing more affordable housing

• Improving access to mental health and addiction treatment

• Reducing the stigma associated with homelessness

What can you do to help?

There are many ways to help the homeless this Winter. You can:

• Donate to a homeless charity

• Volunteer your time at a homeless shelter

• Speak out about the issue of homelessness

• Educate others about the challenges faced by homeless people

We currently estimate that there are 700+ rough sleepers in Brighton & Hove, with many more sofa surfers on the path to destitution. We know the names of all our clients, their history and their aspirations. We provide emergency help via our outreach teams and invite clients back to our Antifreeze Homeless Centre to access our clothing, hygiene, shower and laundry facilities.

To make real change, we provide time with our support team to establish the best route out of their situation. This may involve assistance with opening bank accounts, benefit claims providing a poste restante address, haircuts, medical aid, and group therapy. Overall, this provides security, support and a sense of purpose. – that there will be a better tomorrow.

Be the hand that reaches out

Outside of London, Brighton & Hove has stubbornly remained in the top five ratio of homeless to heads of population. Currently, 1 in 75 people in our community don’t have a roof they can call their own. We don’t receive support from national or local statutory funding and rely on the generosity of over hundred individuals, 50+ companies, 70+ churches and a number of trusts and foundations sympathetic to our mission. We run several events during the year to supplement this income. This action saves lives in the same way that mountain rescue teams, lifeboats and ambulances do. But for us, and them, this is just the start of the journey.

We start from the premise that everyone is of equal value, and all have a right to a future. One day it could be you. So please step in and be that person who doesn’t step over.

Thank you on their behalf

Rev Julio Abraham CEO

Rev Paul Young Founder