COLUMN: Tackling homelessness a top priority

Since becoming the Member of Parliament for Mansfield just over two months ago, I have made the issue of homelessness one of my priorities. '¨We do have an issue with homelessness in Mansfield and I believe that we need to work together to make sure we can improve the lives of the people who want to be helped. '¨I have taken the time over recess to meet with Framework, representatives from The Hall, Nottingham Community Housing Association and also with officers of the council. '¨This is so I can start to really understand the issues we have. '¨In the coming weeks, I will continue to meet with other groups so that I can see the full picture before we can plan how best we are able to tackle it. '¨In the coming months, I will also be holding homelessness forums. '¨These will be for local charities, for businesses and also for local religious groups.'¨The aim of this is to make sure we have a long-term plan for the homeless and the vulnerable. '¨There are many different reasons why people become homeless and it can't be a one size fits all approach to helping them. '¨What need to do is be compassionate and find the real reasons people are in this position and why people are sleeping on the streets in 2017.'¨The people and volunteers working on the ground do a really great job with limited resources. '¨They provide a comprehensive range of help and support for the most vulnerable people.'¨But what we need is a real long-term solution and support for people by providing day-to-day assistance to support reintegration into the community. '¨By getting everyone sat around the same table to talk about the issues we face, together we can ensure that these people aren't forgotten.