**News release**
The Mayor’s Director of Housing, Richard Blakeway, spoke at a conference organised by Thames Reach last week for the homeless and formerly homeless people who use the charity’s services.
He was among guests on a panel invited to answer questions on homelessness issues posed by Thames Reach service users.
Among the topics covered were the problems faced by Central and Eastern European rough sleepers in the UK, and the ways in which homeless people could help shape future homelessness policy.
A series of workshops were also undertaken allowing participants to look at a range of issues including pathways back into work and health awareness.
Jeremy Swain, Thames Reach Chief Executive, said: “This was a particularly stimulating conference which highlighted the keen interest Thames Reach’s service users have in shaping the direction of travel of the organisation and the great value of hearing from people who have directly experienced homelessness. The questions put to the panel were extremely sophisticated and challenging. It was a fantastic day and I learnt a lot.”
Ends
Notes to editor
1) Thames Reach is one of the UK’s leading homelessness charities. Its ultimate goal is to end street homelessness.
It runs the services helping rough sleepers off the streets, accommodation including hostels and supported housing projects, and innovative schemes which help formerly homeless people develop new skills, re-engage with family and friends, and get back into work. See www.thamesreach.org.uk
2) Homelessness charities have helped 20,000 people off the streets of the capital in the past ten years.
3) For further details contact Thames Reach communications manager Mike Nicholas on 07816 113420 or 0207 702 5646.
mike.nicholas@thamesreach.org.uk
