Ending rough sleeping isn't just about money – it takes everyone pulling together

Big Issue readers discuss efforts to address rough sleeping, our focus on dementia and our investigation into homeless people being filmed without consent on the street.

How to end rough sleeping

Since Andy Burnham pledged to end rough sleeping, much of the conversation has focused on funding. And while funding matters, it’s only part of the solution. Nine years ago, I opened a night shelter in Birmingham. I met talented people, full of potential, who had lost their footing and needed the right support to rebuild their lives. That led me to found Standing Tall. 

Today, we work across nine UK cities, helping people through a combination of employment, a safe place to stay and one-to-one support. But as we’ve grown, we’ve learned that helping people takes a clear plan, strong partnerships and the right expertise. If we’re serious about ending rough sleeping, we need charities, businesses and government working together, sharing their skills and resources.  

The challenge isn’t helping one person off the streets. It’s building capacity to help thousands more. 

Christy Acton, CEO, Standing Tall 

A big hand

The influence and collaboration of family is what gave me my hand up. When I was 15 my mother died, and my father when I was 16. The two sides of my family pitched in and I was taken in by my father’s brother while I completed my exams. An uncle and aunt on my mother’s side then got me a place on an apprenticeship scheme near where they lived, and took me in for a year or so until my meagre wage allowed me to move to a bedsit nearer the factory. 

Now, at 81, I am conscious that I never thanked these two families for giving me a foundation in what has been a fortunate life. Maybe I should be giving more than I do to those who need a hand up. 

So thank you to all ‘family’ whether by blood, or even more virtuous, by goodwill. 

David Butler 

Wendy’s world

What an excellent issue addressing many aspects of dementia. It made me think of Wendy Mitchell, who was featured in your publication in January 2022 [Mitchell died in 2024]. After I read about her, I bought her book and started following her blog [Which Me Am I Today?]. Having worked as a nurse my whole life, I learned so many things I didn’t know. She showed anyone who wanted to listen the value of life. Her love for nature, her beautiful sunrises, her encounters with hares. She photographed and wrote, because that was how she was able to remember her day. And she shared her world with us, knowing others could benefit. Thank you for shining a light on dementia. 

Antoinette de Kleijn 

Read more:

• Rough sleeping a ‘source of national shame’, government told
• Andy Burnham wants to end rough sleeping. These new statistics show the challenge he faces
• Record-high number of people sleeping rough in England amid warning kids left homeless on streets

Still learning

I’ve just turned 60 and celebrated with friends and family. Nowadays my top source of info that continues to inspire my life-long learning is Big Issue. The dementia issue is a great example of that. So thank you Gail, George, Martina, Maxine, Julie, Olive, Ronnie, Steve, Teresa, Orla, Jas, Priya, Bharti, Kirit, Alex and others for your insight and ideas.

Jeremy Lovett, Suffolk

False economy

The UK’s decision to reduce Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5% to 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNI) by 2027/28 raises an important question about tackling global poverty. ODA supports development and welfare in the world’s most vulnerable communities. It provides crisis and humanitarian aid, healthcare, education and infrastructure. 

Cutting aid may save money in the short term, but a world with greater access to healthcare, education and food is more stable and secure. The UK has historically played an important role in international development, with a previous commitment to spend 0.7% of GNI on aid. The reduction to 0.3% is significant. 

I urge readers to consider what role they want the UK to play in tackling global poverty. If we want the UK to continue as a leader in international development, we need to speak up for ODA.

Olivia Christie, Kirkliston, Edinburgh

Responces to influencers using smart glasses to film homeless people

I noticed that a while ago. There was already a trend of ‘donating’ for likes and filming vulnerable people. The worst part is that they do have an audience for that. 

@travelaski, Instagram 

How the hell is this legal? 

@katrinestoreboart 

Targeting the most vulnerable members of society is beyond despicable. 🤬🤬🤬 

@maiaanya, Instagram 

These glasses should be illegal. They have no good purpose. No one should be filming in this way – it’s horrifying. 😢 

@rosiepresents, Instagram 

It’s a big issue, all right. This must stop. 

@jackwdart, Instagram 

While I found the stories absolutely appalling, I wanted to highlight the ‘potential’ good uses for them. I have seen influencers using them to interview homeless people about their struggles. They post these videos to social media along with a GoFundMe link to raise money for them. I still appreciate this is being done without consent, however the people in the videos always love the support they have received from the online community. 

Oliver, Leicester  

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

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