Cherilyn Mackrory, Member of Parliament for Truro and Falmouth, has welcomed the news that Cornwall has fewer people sleeping rough according to the latest figures, independently verified by Homeless Link and agreed by partner agencies in Cornwall.
Figures released this week show that 24 people were recorded as sleeping rough on our streets on one night last month (November 2019), down by 55% when compared to the 53 people recorded in November 2018.
Cherilyn said:
“Just one rough sleeper is one too many, but these recent figures that show both a year on year reduction but also a 76% reduction on the 99 people recorded as sleeping rough on a night in November 2016 are encouraging.”
“During the recent election campaign I met with the Truro Homeless Action Group (THAG) to discuss some of the amazing work they do in helping homeless people in the city.”
“Groups like this, along with organisations such as St Petroc’s do commendable work in helping people get off the streets all year round and I thank Cornwall Council and their partners for all they do in this area.”
“Earlier this year the Government provided £625,009 of additional Rough Sleeping Initiative funding to Cornwall Council. It is good to see this funding produce tangible results but there is much more to do. When I return to Parliament in the New Year I will work with my Cornwall MP colleagues to continue to ensure Cornwall does not lose out from national funding initiatives such as this.”
Anyone who is concerned about someone sleeping rough should contact Streetlink – a 24/7 website, or phone (0300 500 0914) to send out an alert about the location of someone sleeping rough.
Streetlink will then pass on the information to Cornwall Council’s Assertive Street Outreach Team. The team will make contact with the person rough sleeping within 48 hours of receiving a report to carry out an assessment to identify their needs and support them into accommodation.
Anyone who feels they are in danger of having to sleep rough should call Cornwall Housing on 0300 1234 161.