Unveiling Homelessness: Liverpool’s Hidden Struggles

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In the heart of our communities, beneath the surface of bustling city life, lies a reality that often goes unseen: homelessness. Across the Liverpool City Region, many of the most vulnerable individuals are not visible on the streets, but instead, they find refuge in hidden corners—living in tents nestled within woodlands, parks, and abandoned buildings. These individuals often live in isolation, making it difficult for support services to reach them.

Recently, Mayor Steve Rotheram took a significant step to address this pressing issue by visiting outreach workers in Knowsley. This visit aimed to gain firsthand insight into the struggles faced by those living ‘off grid’ in woodland areas, as well as to observe the vital work being done by local teams to support these individuals. This outreach initiative is part of the Assertive Outreach programme, funded by the Combined Authority and delivered by the dedicated team at The Whitechapel Centre. Impressively, the programme has already assisted 357 individuals this year alone.

In exciting news, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has recently secured an additional £4.1 million in government funding. This vital support will enable the continuation and expansion of their efforts to combat homelessness in the area.

This new influx of funding will help sustain the pioneering Housing First programme, alongside a variety of targeted interventions. These include specialised outreach teams, a dedicated homelessness social worker, and a community psychiatric nurse—all working collaboratively with the region’s six local authorities and frontline organisations to create a comprehensive support network.

The Housing First initiative, one of the Mayor’s earliest policies, aims to provide individuals facing the most complex barriers with a permanent home and tailored support. This encompasses addressing critical issues such as mental health, trauma, and addiction. Since its launch, the programme has helped over 400 individuals begin to rebuild their lives with the stability and dignity they deserve.

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, stated:

“Homelessness isn’t always what people imagine—it’s not just the people we see in city centres, but also those sleeping in tents in woods, in parks, and in derelict buildings. No one should ever be made to feel invisible. That’s why we’re investing in services that go out to meet people wherever they are, offering not just a roof for the night, but the long-term support they need to rebuild their lives.”

He further emphasised, “Housing First was one of the first policies I introduced as Mayor. Since then, we’ve supported more than 400 people into secure homes, with wraparound help to address complex needs like mental health and addiction. This additional funding means we can keep that momentum going—helping more people move off the streets and into a better future.”

Graham Morgan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration and Leader of Knowsley Council, remarked:

“The specific outreach support provided by the Combined Authority through the commissioned service delivered by Whitechapel means we can reach more people experiencing rough sleeping in our borough. It allows support workers to get out to people, understand what has happened to them, and then work hand in hand with our statutory homeless teams. It’s a collaborative effort to generate the best outcomes for rough sleepers in Knowsley and help people off the streets to move forward with their lives in a positive way.”

Sophie Mayor, Services Manager for Whitechapel, which delivers assertive outreach programmes across Knowsley, Halton, and St Helens on behalf of the Combined Authority, added:

“Homelessness isn’t always what you see in big city centres; it can be quite different and more remote in the towns that make up the city region. We receive welfare alerts for people in parks, disused buildings, and woodlands—places a bit more off the grid than we might see in Liverpool. Assertive Outreach is a service that helps people when other support hasn’t worked. We work closely with local authorities in Knowsley, Halton, and St Helens, where the Combined Authority commissioned service is active, enabling us to more swiftly assist homeless individuals experiencing mental health or social issues thanks to our community psychiatric nurse and social worker.”

Image and Video Credit: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

In conclusion, the relentless efforts of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and its partners signify a powerful movement towards addressing homelessness in all its forms. The additional funding received is not merely a financial boost; it represents a commitment to ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our community are seen, heard, and supported. As we look forward, it is crucial that we continue to advocate for and support initiatives that aim to eradicate homelessness, ensuring that everyone has a place to call home.

Let us all be champions of change, working together to create a world where homelessness is a thing of the past.

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