Lib Dem Leadership contender visits emergency shelter
28 November 2007
Liberal Democrat Leadership Contender, Nick Clegg MP, visited one of St Mungo's emergency shelters to meet with staff and clients. His visit coincided with the launch of St Mungo's report highlighting the issue of relationship breakdown as a major cause of homelessness.
The report highlights that:
- 50% of St Mungo's clients would like more regular contact with their families
- 41% of St Mungo's clients said that relationship breakdown led to their homelessness
- 43% of the men and women resident in St Mungo's accommodation do not give any details of their next of kin.
Nick Clegg MP said:
"It's important to recognise that social networks are more than the traditional family unit - more than just a husband, wife, two kids and a dog. From my visit to St Mungo's it is clear to me that the breakdown of social support networks through estrangement from partners, parents, siblings, children and friends continues to be a major cause, and consequence, of homelessness."
"Many of us take for granted having strong, loving families that support us through the difficult times and it's great to see St Mungo's helping those who have become homeless through relationship breakdown to re-establish ties with their families and prevent them returning to the street."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- St Mungo's is London's largest charity for homeless people. We support people in their recovery - opening the door to safe housing, health care and work. For more information please visit www.mungos.org
Related content
- Our Services - Internal page
- About St Mungo's - Internal page