Pasties and Poliitics with Plymouth MP

Luke Pollard MP today hosted another in his series of ‘Pastries & Politics’, a round table discussion which aims to bring together people from across Plymouth to discuss key topics and areas of interest for the city. Friday morning's meeting, kindly hosted by Shekinah, bought together key stakeholders to talk about rough sleeping and homelessness in the city.

Discussions reflected on the past winter, hidden homeless, access to housing and health services, as well as looking forward to how we can work better together to help end rough sleeping and homelessness in Plymouth.

Attendees included representatives from Shekinah, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Access to Housing (PATH), Shelter, Salvation Army, the BCHA, Livewell South West, Westwood Housing, Plymouth Soup Run and Hope Baptist Church.

Luke Pollard MP said: "With growing numbers of rough sleepers and an increasing problem with homelessness in Plymouth it was good to bring together groups and agencies who are already doing some superb work in our city despite limited funds.

The Government need to act to help support these organisations who are helping deal with the current homelessness crisis. They need more resources and better funding to make sure we don’t have another winter like we just experienced.”

John Hamblin, Chief Executive of Shekinah said: "Whilst many of us feel very distanced from Westminster, having the opportunity to meet with Luke helps bridge the gap. Round table meetings like the one we had this morning are not only an opportunity for Luke to hear about current challenges, but to also to witness the partnership work that is taking place in the City to address the injustice of rough sleeping." 

Mike Taylor, Director of Plymouth Access To Housing said: “At a time when homelessness remains in the news as a national issue, it’s excellent to have Plymouth services brought together by a local MP to think and work together on the needs in the City, how we better address them and also the good work that’s already happening. 

Luke was also very clear about looking for ways to support any initiatives and there are some very positive ideas that we will definitely be following up."

Nicola Greenfield, Head of Tenancy Sustainment, Supported Housing at BCHA said: "The meeting provided a great opportunity to share our knowledge around the issues of rough sleeping and homelessness in the City. We welcome Luke’s support for ours and other organisations in the City that work to provide housing and support to people who face multiple barriers to accessing a safe, secure and affordable home."