A public information campaign about the council’s new approach to tacking rough sleeping has just been launched.
‘Always Room Inside’ is the message – ensuring there is greater public awareness about the council’s 24/7 provision to get people off the streets and into a warm, secure environment.
As well as the day facilities at the Whitechapel Centre on Langsdale Street, the council has recently opened a new night shelter – Labre House – on Camden Street which is already providing rough sleepers with overnight accommodation, where they can rest, wash, get something to eat and use computer and telephone facilities to keep in touch with family and friends.
Labre House is set to become a hub providing a wide range of services for rough sleepers, including GP and health services, welfare and housing advice and support to help rough sleepers turn their lives around.
Together with the council’s active outreach teams – which includes a Labre House minibus helping bring rough sleepers to the centre – it is hoped that the numbers sleeping on the streets can be reduced and that no-one has to spend a single night outside.
‘Always Room Inside’ branding will start appearing around the City Centre in coming days, including the large mounted display screens throughout the city centre and at the end of the M62.
The hope is that it will encourage the public to urge any rough sleepers they meet to head towards Labre House for help and support.
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, explained: “There is nothing worse than finding yourself
on the streets without a place to go in weather like this.
“I am absolutely determined that no human being should ever be in that position, which is why we have launched Labre House and the ‘Always Room Inside’ campaign.
“Altogether, the council spend £18 million a year helping people and families that have fallen on hard times, preventing many from becoming homeless in the first place. Rough sleeping is the visible bit of the problem – the tip of the iceberg – and now requires a more concerted approach.
“As a result, we have the funding and facilities in place to address the problem and this campaign will help to get the message out that help is available and that there is, literally, ‘Always Room Inside.'”
