Member News
Homeless Link discusses the importance of access to cultural and sporting activities for the homeless.
Cultural and sporting activities can prove vital in supporting homeless people to gain confidence and move away from homelessness.
Taking part in activities such as sports, music, drama, gardening and art can be the first step for people with a history of homelessness to build confidence, improve health, extend their social networks and develop skills that will support a move into education, employment and independence.
However, almost half of agencies supporting homeless people reported problems in accessing these forms of meaningful activity, according to a national survey carried out by Homeless Link in 2010 (Survey of Needs and Provision).
This was partly due to the accessibility of these services to some of the most marginalised groups in society today.
Challenging national targets for leisure facilities and arts services, to improve the use of local provision by the community, can often work against the inclusion of homeless people, as they can require more focus, time and investment.
However, the benefits and rewards of ensuring they are included are immense, for the individual and wider community.
Despite difficulties in accessing services being reported, it is clear that the availability of activities as reported by homelessness services has increased - up 33 per cent between 2008 and 2010 (as shown by Homeless Link's Survey of Needs and Provision 2010).
Places of Change, a capital investment programme changing the face and nature of homelessness provision, has placed delivery of these services at the heart of hostel redevelopment. No longer is someone just provided with a cup of tea and blanket.
Street League is one such example of a charity in the UK using sport to transform peoples' lives. They are working with individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are homeless, to achieve their future potential through structured programmes and using football as a common language.
We call on any future government to recognise the positive, long-term outcomes that meaningful activity can achieve, and enable homeless people to benefit from local provision and appropriate specialist provision.
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