Bench Outreach helps vulnerable people to overcome homelessness and lead lives that have meaning and purpose. Providing advice & support and #HousingFirst
Deptford, South East London
Joined February 2012
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We are thankful that the cold snap has passed but it is still dangerous out there for rough sleepers, no matter what the weather is doing.
We are open and available to support those who are homeless, struggling with their housing, or who need help navigating the welfare system.
A gentle reminder that if someone sitting on the street looks really poorly, you could save their life by asking if they need help or an ambulance.
Contact @StreetLink_ to let outreach services know about people sleeping outside - this weather could be lethal.
In this freezing weather make sure you know where you can go to warm up - here is a map of @lewishamlocal's 'warm welcomes', drop-in spaces free of charge where they provide hot drinks, some hot food, social activities and additional support:
lewishamlocal.com/lewisham-w…
A shocking juxtaposition on @guardiannews this morning - inequality is thriving in the UK in 2024.
Happy New Year! The office is now open and we're back to work supporting those who need it.
If you need help with homelessness, housing, or benefits, get in touch - you can pop in to make an appointment, or call 020 8694 7740.
We are getting ready for Christmas! Bench Outreach will be closed this Friday 22nd, returning on 2nd January.
In the meantime, we're making sure clients have food, gas and electric money, and access to any helplines they might need over Christmas.🎄
A really handy resource listing all the free meals in Lewisham this Christmas - please share🥰
Community events like these ensure people are not only fed, but that they have company during what can be a difficult or lonely time of year for many.❤️
🎅 Free Christmas Food & Support in Lewisham 🦃
Our Good Food Lewisham (@GFLewisham) project has compiled a handy guide to the Free Meals and Services available across Lewisham this Christmas.
Take a look, and add your own 👇
lewishamlocal.com/christmas-…
Thank you so much to Christ Embassy Church in Deptford for their generous donation of food that we will be able to give away to clients to keep them going over the Christmas period.
We really appreciate the support of our wonderful local community at this time.💚🎄
The @MayorofLondon's Rough Sleeping Charter shows that rough sleeping is a central issue to Londoners, and that there is a shared will from both charities and the public to end rough sleeping.
london.gov.uk/Mayor%20launch…
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It is life or death out there. This is preventable. Please, no more blaming homeless people for 'poor life choices' when they are simply trying to survive.
We hold these people in our thoughts and prayers, and in our actions as we help as many survivors as we can.
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This generation of children will be impacted for years to come by these levels of poverty and neglect.
As will their parents who are doing everything they can to keep kids safe, warm, and fed - the housing crisis and the cost of living crisis are truly traumatic for thousands.
🚨 Official government stats released today show that at the end of June, 138,930 children were homeless living in unsuitable, temporary accommodation in England.
This is a record high. And this is shocking.
ALT Light green graphic with an illustration of two children. Text on top reads: 138,930 children are homeless living in temporary accommodation.
Cold weather provisions for rough sleepers have been announced today due to expected low temps tonight.
If you see anybody rough sleeping today please urge them to contact Streetlink: 0300 500 0914
Or report them on the website: thestreetlink.org.uk/
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don't miss our latest blog post, including a client's experience trying to access emergency mental healthcare
New blog post:
After a bit of a break, our blog is back.
This edition describes the shocking account of one client's experience trying to access emergency mental healthcare, and the impact of austerity and poverty on services.
benchoutreach.wordpress.com/…
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"Ultimately there is a duty on citizens if they are able to go out to work they should."
This is really concerning. We ALREADY have a system where people have to find work *if they are able to* - it's ALREADY not easy to qualify for disability benefits.
theguardian.com/uk-news/2023…
"One landlord charged 18 tenants a total of more than £5,800 a month for 11 rooms in a squalid, rat-infested former hotel with no working kitchen, unusable toilets, a faulty gas supply, blocked drains & partly blocked fire escapes."
theguardian.com/uk-news/2023…
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The chronic under-funding of children's services means young people are left to struggle, often facing homelessness.
If we abandon vulnerable young people at 16 years old, we are not giving them the opportunity they deserve to have a stable life ahead.
bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lo…
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Please contact us if you need support or advice with your benefit claim🔍
Tax credits are ending
Don't risk missing out on financial support
For more information visit ow.ly/VHPG50PEkqH
@LewishamCouncil are undertaking a public consultation to capture a snapshot of community experiences in relation to serious violence, including Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls.
It will help inform local strategy around violence:
consultation.lewisham.gov.uk…
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New blog post:
After a bit of a break, our blog is back.
This edition describes the shocking account of one client's experience trying to access emergency mental healthcare, and the impact of austerity and poverty on services.
benchoutreach.wordpress.com/…