09 August 2006
An MP spent a week in mid-July at Thames Reach Bondway in order to get an insight into the problems facing homeless people in the capital.
Douglas Carswell, Conservative MP for Harwich and Clacton, was based at the Robertson Street project where he took on the role of a support worker.
During his week at Thames Reach Bondway, he also spent an evening with the London Street Rescue service and a day at the charity's organic farm project in Sussex.
The visit was organised by the Centre for Social Justice, a think tank set up by former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith.
Douglas Carswell was impressed by what he saw at Thames Reach Bondway. "It was a real privilege and eye opener to see a side of social care that you rarely read about or get the chance to see in action.
"It was a great change from the day-to-day drivel you regularly experience in the Westminster village of MPs."
"As result of my visit, I'd like to champion homelessness causes such as the issue of the lack of move-on accommodation for hostel residents and the problems caused by super strength drinks."
Thames Reach Bondway Chief Executive Jeremy Swain said: "We are delighted that Douglas Carswell spent a week finding out about our work. It has always been our approach to work with committed people who, like us, believe that nobody in the 21st century should have to sleep rough on the streets.
"Douglas was given the opportunity of working on the frontline with some very challenging and needy people who have had to endure long bouts of loneliness. We appreciated his interest and admired his gumption."
