I read with interest recently about one charity's novel approach to helping long-term rough sleepers back on their feet.
Instead of the usual offer of hostel places, Broadway gave homeless people hundreds of pounds to be spent as they wished. Each homeless person was asked what they needed to change their lives - one asked for a caravan on a travellers' site in Suffolk, while another went for a pair of trainers and a television.
It certainly seemed cutting out the middle man worked. Of the 13 who engaged with the scheme, seven of the homeless were off the streets with two ready to follow after 18 months — and none of the money was spent directly on drugs or alcohol.
Broadway's initiative is, of course, just one example of the hard work of charities to help homeless people and rough sleepers. And it certainly seems their services are in demand — after all, at least a quarter of a million people find themselves homeless each year — and more than 3,600 people slept on the streets of London last year.
So, if you would like to get involved in helping the homeless, and you'd like to know more about jobs available within homelessness charities and the services they offer, then join our panel of experts in a live Q&A on 17 November at 1pm.
Our panel:
Andrew Hyland is resourcing manager at St Mungo's, a leading homelessness charity. Andrew regularly recruits staff, such as project workers and specialist health and skills professionals, across St Mungo's 100 plus projects in London and the south.
Debbie Jones is house manager at Charis House, which is operated by the charity Good News Family Care. Charis House is a refuge and family centre supporting women and children who are fleeing domestic abuse, or who are homeless for any reason.
Dipika Kulkarni is a communications and events officer at Providence Row, a homelessness charity in east London. The charity works with homeless and vulnerably housed adults providing breakfasts, showers, benefits advice and help for those with mental health problems and addictions.
Cristina Fernandez is learning and employment manager for Thames Reach, a London-based charity. Cristina manages the employment reach team, which helps formerly homeless and vulnerable people find work.
Kelly Ventress is communications officer for NCVO Working For A Charity — an organisation which promotes careers and opportunities within the charity sector.
Ben Dolley is team leader for housing and homelessness charity Shelter in West Sussex. Ben currently manages a team of eight housing advisers who deliver advice throughout the region.
Julie Brett is the assistant director of homelessness services for The Salvation Army. Prior to this role, Julie was the street population coordinator for Tower Hamlets.
We'll also be joined by two representatives of Depaul UK, a charity which helps young people who are homeless, vulnerable and disadvantaged. Ted Haughey is a project manager and Denise Moscrop is a community resettlement worker.
