Home is where the heart is - rebuilding the relationships of London's homeless men and women
26 November 2007
This Christmas, as most people plan the festive season with their families, St Mungo's, London's largest homeless charity, is highlighting the issue of relationship breakdown as a major cause of homelessness. A report by
St Mungo's, to be launched at the House of Commons on the 26th November 2007, reveals that:
- 50% of St Mungo's clients would like more regular contact with their families
- 41% of St Mungo's clients said that relationship breakdown led to their homelessness
- 43% of the men and women resident in St Mungo's accommodation do not give any details of their next of kin
St Mungo's and Relate, the UK's leading relationship support agency, are working in partnership to help homeless men and women to build and sustain relationships. The charities' joint initiative; the innovative Relationship and Parenting Skills Project; provides homeless people with practical skills in developing relationships with others. The two charities will be celebrating the success of the project at the House of Commons event.
Angela Estridge, who lives at St Mungo's Pagnell Street project, said:
"When I became homeless I wasn't able to see my two youngest children at all. Now, after starting to attend the St Mungo's and Relate counselling sessions, I've been able to meet my two youngest children twice, because of my improved relationship with their father. The counselling has really shown me that in order to build relationships with other people I need to look after myself."
Claire Tyler, Chief Executive of Relate said:
"St Mungo's and Relate aim to tackle the issues that prevent homeless people from building meaningful relationships. 85% of the men and women who have used the service said they found it very useful. By improving self-esteem and self-confidence, counselling has enabled them to make positive changes to their lives."
Charles Fraser CBE, Chief Executive of St Mungo's said:
"Many of us take for granted having strong, loving families that support us through the difficult times. This Christmas we want to highlight how social isolation can lead to homelessness. If we, and other organisations like us, support homeless men and women to rebuild their family ties we can help to prevent them returning to the street."
St Mungo's and Relate are currently seeking to secure funding for this vital project beyond March 2008.
To find out more about the St Mungo's and Relate Relationship and Parenting Skills Project please visit www.mungos.org
Notes to Editors:
- St Mungo's is London's largest charity for homeless people. We support people in their recovery - opening the door to safe housing, health care and work. For more information please visit www.mungos.org
- Relate is working to promote health, respect and justice in couple and family relationships.
