Blackburn charity tackling homelessness as dark nights approach

Every year, 78,000 to 80,000 people experience homelessness in the UK.

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According to government figures, in 2013, more 2,400 people slept rough on the streets on any one night, a rise of 37 per cent over three years.

The government survey, carried out in Autumn 2013 found a total of seven rough sleepers in East Lancashire over one night.

Tauheedul Charity has launched the campaign for winter, as people are unable to afford their bills and the rate of eviction increases.

Charity director Yusuf Patel said: "In winter the crisis of homelessness and the number of families affected increases quite drastically.

"Research suggests that 90,000 children will experience homelessness in the UK this Christmas, and that's a staggering figure.

"We've launched this campaign to try to provide warmth for some of those families.

"It's long term impact on young people is quite devastating.

"It has an impact on health, and education, and homeless people only have a life expectancy of of just 47-years-of-age.

"When people are facing rising bills and rising energy prices, we need to make sure they have adequate shelter over their heads.

"We're working with schools and and asking children and parents to remember families who aren't as fortunate as them.

"We're actively engaging with Tauheedul schools and other schools."

Money raised during the campaign will go towards providing hot meals, advice on housing and employment, assistance with mental health problems and access to training and support.

It will also fund emergency accommodation and emergency grants to people in need.

Yusuf Patel said: "Homelessness does not have one straightforward solution.

"We try to tackle the immediate and short-term need of housing and food, but also look at the long-term need.

"We also try to address some of the root causes."

To donate to the campaign, visit: http://www.tauheedulrelief.org/campaigns/uk-winter-warmth-campaign-2014/.