Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, encouraged Londoners to volunteer to tackle homelessness at an event in London held by homelessness charities Crisis and Housing Justice on Tuesday evening.
 
The event, Tackling Homelessness, Changing Lives, celebrated the role volunteers can play in working with the capital’s homelessness organisations, to transform the lives of homeless people this Christmas and beyond, following the Mayor’s commitment to end rough sleeping in the capital by 2012.
 
Speaking at the event at Westminster Central Hall, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson said that whilst much has been achieved so far to help two-thirds of the most entrenched rough sleepers off the streets, meeting this ambitious goal will not only require the Government and the homelessness sector working together, but must also harness the immense potential of the thousands of people who volunteer across London and give their time and skills to help homelessness charities.
 
Research from Crisis has highlighted the vital role played by volunteers. From 2008 to 2009, 10,000 Crisis volunteers contributed the equivalent of £3.7 million worth of time to help transform homeless people’s lives. Housing Justice estimates that last year alone volunteers in London’s winter shelters gave 70,000 hours of their time at a value of around £715,000.
 
A new directory of volunteering opportunities across the homelessness sector, We Need You: Volunteer to tackle homelessness and change lives, was also launched at the event.
 
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said:
“I am proud of the work we have done to end rough sleeping in the capital by 2012. We have made real progress in helping two-thirds of the most entrenched rough sleepers off the street, but there is still more to be done.
 
“Volunteers do a fantastic job in making this city a better place and have a crucial role to play in helping us to end homelessness, particularly by mentoring rough sleepers so they do not return to the streets. I want to encourage any Londoners who have a desire to make a difference, to consider signing up to the many volunteer opportunities that are available.”
 
Jason Warriner, a senior nurse in sexual health & HIV who volunteers for Crisis Christmas, said:
“Volunteering at Crisis is enjoyable, fun and challenging – you not only use your present skills and knowledge but also gain an insight into the health of homeless people and work in community settings that will enable you to develop your practice. No health problem is too big or too small.”
 
For more information about Crisis view:
www.crisis.org.uk