11/12/2015 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Plans to secure the long-term future of Brighton & Hove’s Madeira Terraces have moved a step closer with the announcement that the city council has received £50,000 from the government’s Coastal Revival Fund.

Madeira Terraces, Madeira Drive

The money will be spent on developing a long-term investment and regeneration plan for Madeira Terraces and Madeira Drive.

Brighton & Hove City Council’s bid competed with 222 across the country for the £3 million fund.

Council leader Warren Morgan, said: “We are delighted to have won this money against fierce competition. It will be put to good use, developing a viable, long-term plan to revive Madeira Terraces and Madeira Drive which are in desperate need of regeneration. It will play a key part in restoring the seafront, the city’s jewel in the crown.

“We have made progress on putting a project together to develop Madeira Terraces but there is no quick fix. This is a complex project that needs to be properly funded. The Coastal Revival funding will ensure there a plan is in place for investment and that the city will benefit from a workable and lasting scheme.”

The council hope regenerating Brighton’s Grade II listed Madeira Terraces and Madeira Drive will complement and help ensure the commercial success of other major developments on the seafront.

Simon Kirby MP

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven, said: “I’m delighted that the Government has committed this money for the much-needed regeneration of the Madeira Terraces. This area has the potential to be a fantastic tourist offering, as well as being a great place for local residents to use and businesses to invest in. I look forward to the council finally revealing their plans now that they have been given this initial funding.”

The first ever Rough Sleeping summit was held in Brighton on Friday, December 4, linking partners across the city to look at how best to work together on the issue of rough sleeping.

More than 1,000 people sleep rough annually in Brighton & Hove, of these more than 300 have been seen before while new people need support every week.

Cllr Clare Moonan, lead councillor for homelessness, said: “Our vision is to make sure no-one has the need to sleep rough in Brighton & Hove by 2020. This is a challenge we need to start tackling now. The aim is to build on existing provision and work with our partners to see an effective city-wide approach for the future. The dangers of living on the streets are severe and impact on some of the most vulnerable in our society. At a time when resources are scarce and demand is rising, we need to look at how we can work together to help those in need.”

The summit was organised by Brighton & Hove City Council to bring together representatives from across the statutory and third sector. A wide range of organisations and individuals were present, including people with experience of sleeping on the streets, St Mungo’s Broadway, Brighton Housing Trust and One Church Brighton.

Participants discussed the challenges and looked at what measures will make a difference in the city for those on the street as well as residents and visitors concerned about rough sleepers.

A consultation has been established to seek views from a wide range of people to review the city’s approach to rough sleeping.

For information and to complete the survey, click here:

The consultation highlights the challenges to be faced if the city does not reduce rough sleeping. The known impact of rough sleeping includes health problems and early deaths; suffering and hardship; pressure on the Police, hospital accident and emergency and other services; crime and anti-social behaviour associated with rough sleeping and street drinking.

For more information, click here:

Firstly, people are encouraged to use a simple online method to sharing information about the location of rough sleepers so details can be given to outreach workers for action. Streetlink is a government-funded service providing a link between concerned individuals and specialist care: www.streetlink.org.uk

Secondly, donations can be made online to St Mungo’s Broadway, the charity which provides outreach care in Brighton & Hove for Rough Sleepers. Donations can be made through a fundraising page to ensure the money raised is dedicated for the city.

To make a donation, click here:

Cllr Clare Moonan explains: “We know residents want to help and, particularly at this time of year as the temperatures drop, it’s a real worry to see people rough sleeping. The winter campaign is a way to make a difference right away as we work together on providing a long-term solution. I encourage everyone to help rough sleepers by using the Streetlink website or app. The fundraising aspect of the campaign is designed to provide appropriate care for the most vulnerable living rough by channelling donations where they can make a real difference. Small amounts of donations add up and are more effective than giving hand outs on the street.”

Find more information:

http://consult.brighton-hove.gov.uk/portal