Regarding the problem of homelessness on the streets of Brighton.
A recent report, Unsafe Street produced by the Institute for Public Policy Research reveals 78 per cent of rough sleepers have been victim of crime on at least one recent occasion and 47 per cent of female rough sleepers have been recent victims of assault compared with one in 25 female victims of violence nationally.
The report calls for a pilot Safe Havens programme in a small number of urban areas to develop a model multi-agency response to protecting rough sleepers providing more safe places where rough sleepers can sleep at night; providing accessible secure places to leave belongings; regular access to food and support services such as laundry and housing advice.
Unsafe Streets also calls for a new approach to policing street homelessness beyond mere enforcement, with greater involvement in local multi-agency programmes. It recommends better inter-agency co-operation with local police forces, giving priority to improving communications between front-line police officers and outreach teams.
Some of those ideas have already been implemented in Brighton but so much more needs to be done.
-Rev John Webster, Neville Avenue, Hove webster@webster.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article