Mr Hall met with Depaul UK CEO Mike Thiedke and Executive Director of Operations Alexia Murphy, as well as young people using Depaul services to learn about their experiences and what they believe could be done to end homelessness.
During the visit the Minister learnt about Depaul UK’s prevention work including the Nightstop emergency accommodation network, which places people sleeping rough, or in another unsafe place, in the homes of trained and vetted volunteers.
Mr Hall said: “Yesterday was a great opportunity to meet and thank the hardworking staff here at Depaul UK. The work they do is critical in helping us achieve our ambition of ending rough sleeping by the close of this Parliament.”
Mr Thiedke said: “We are very pleased the Minister took the opportunity to visit us to hear about Depaul UK’s work and the steps we are taking to end homelessness, particularly among young people.
“Depaul UK welcomes the Government’s commitment to ending rough sleeping by 2024. In order to achieve this, the Government will need to invest more money in emergency accommodation services such as Nightstop.”
He added: “By preventing people from sleeping rough or acting as a first step off the streets for people who are sleeping rough, Nightstop reduces the risk of harm and improves access to longer-term, secure accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. We are very grateful to the Minister for taking the time to talk to young people who have used Depaul’s services”
Last year, Nightstop provided more than 9,000 safe nights of sleep for 937 people across England, Scotland and Wales
Media Contact: Alfonso Redondo, Depaul UK, alfonso.redondo@depaulcharity.org.uk
07580 328308
