Collaboration key to tackling homelessness – Long
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It is vital that we foster collaboration and develop innovative solutions as part of a whole society approach to tackle homelessness, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said.
Speaking after a visit to the People’s Kitchen, a homeless charity in North Belfast, the Minister said no department or agency alone can address homelessness. Together with statutory, voluntary and community sector partners, we must work holistically to tackle this important cross-cutting issue.
The Minister was shown around the premises of the People’s Kitchen on the Antrim Road and learned about the services offered. She also had the opportunity to meet and talk to people using the services who are experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental health issues.
Naomi Long said:
“I am keen that within justice we should do all we can to tackle homelessness, addiction and mental health.
“Often, individuals who have experience of the justice system, face significant hurdles and complex issues. Understanding that these issues are interconnected is vital, and it is therefore essential we foster collaboration among the various departments, develop innovative solutions and integrated support systems to improve lives and life chances.
“Rough sleeping is often linked to underlying issues, such as poverty, alcohol and drug addiction, poor mental health, sexual and domestic abuse, and family breakdown. These are complex and cross-cutting issues which require a multi-agency response of support rather than criminalising people under archaic laws simply because of their personal circumstances. That is why I intend to repeal vagrancy laws in Northern Ireland to decriminalise rough sleeping, as well as begging. Proposals for repeal will be brought forward as an amendment to the Justice Bill which is currently making its way through the Assembly.
“Working collectively, the development and implementation of initiatives to tackle some of the wider societal issues, can also help to reduce offending and reoffending.”
The Minister also praised the tremendous work of volunteers at the People’s Kitchen facility which provides a drop-in and outreach service to people on the streets including those rough sleeping.
Notes to editors:
- PHOTO CAPTIONS: Justice Minister Naomi Long today visited the People’s Kitchen, a homeless charity in North Belfast, where she met with Trustee Damian McNairney (left) and People’s Kitchen Founder Paul McCusker (right).
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