BOB RUSSELL MP BACKS SHELTER'S STREET HOMELESSNESS CAMPAIGN

12.00.00am GMT Fri 21st Dec 2007

Colchester MP Bob Russell has added his support to Shelter's campaign to highlight the plight of homeless people this Christmas.

A new report from the housing and homelessness charity shows the Government still has a long way to go to solve the problems faced by people forced to sleep rough or stay in homeless hostels.

Despite setting up the Rough Sleepers Unit 10 years ago, the report shows the Government still does not provide enough specialist help, hostel places or 'move on' accommodation. This means many people remain trapped in unsuitable hostels without access to the support they need to turn their lives around.

The report gives 10 recommendations for the Government to help street homeless people including increased support and outreach work; more hostel beds and better standards; and more social housing so that more people can be offered suitable move on accommodation.

Welcoming the campaign, which was launched at the House of Commons, Mr Russell said:

"I am pleased to back Shelter's campaign to highlight the plight of homeless people in Colchester this Christmas. The desperate days of cardboard city might be a thing of the past, but dealing with homelessness is not just about putting a roof over someone's head. People need support and advice to deal with their problems. And most of all, they need decent and affordable accommodation to 'move on' to."

Thanking Mr Russell, Shelter Chief Executive Mr Adam Sampson said:

"While real progress has been made in helping homeless people over the past ten years, lots more needs doing. That is why Shelter is delighted Mr Russell has signed up to Shelter's Christmas campaign to persuade Government Ministers to expand support services, improve access to hostel spaces, and increase decent move-on accommodation. That support could be crucial in ensuring homeless people in Colchester get a better deal by next Christmas."