Wigan charity The Brick welcomes new PM Andy Burnham's commitment to 'end rough sleeping'
A Wigan charity tackling homelessness and poverty says prime minister Andy Burnham’s pledge to stamp out rough sleeping “meant everything”.
The Makerfield MP made his first speech outside 10 Downing Street after taking the role on Monday and set out his plans for the future.
And he was clear about his first priority, saying: “I will soon go through that door behind me and issue my first instruction – to end rough sleeping in our country.”
Homelessness was an issue Mr Burnham worked to tackle during his nine years as Greater Manchester mayor, when he launched an initiative named A Bed Every Night (ABEN) to provide emergency accommodation and support for people who would otherwise be sleeping on the streets.
The provision in Wigan borough has been delivered by The Brick, an anti-poverty charity supporting people facing homelessness, financial hardship or crisis.
The charity was delighted by Mr Burnham’s commitment to addressing rough sleeping.
A post on its Facebook page said: “The Prime Minister placed homelessness exactly where it belongs: at the top of the national agenda.
“Since A Bed Every Night was first introduced by Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester, The Brick has proudly delivered the programme here in Wigan and Leigh, providing 43 safe beds every night and helping people move away from the streets and towards secure, independent lives.
“Today his words meant everything.”
The charity acknowledged that it would “not be easy” to end rough sleeping, but offered to share what it had learned so far with the authorities to help tackle the issue.
The post continued: “We have seen first-hand what can happen when there is ambition, investment and a shared belief that nobody should be left without a safe place to sleep.
“We warmly welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to ending rough sleeping. It will not be easy. It will take homes, long-term funding and properly supported services that treat every person with dignity.
“But today gives us real hope.
“The Brick stands ready to share what we have learned, play our part and work alongside the Government, local authorities and our partners to turn this promise into reality.
“Rough sleeping is not inevitable. Together, we can end it.”