BBC Newsnight features Thames Reach’s work tackling rough sleeping
17 December 2024
Thames Reach’s Charley Matthews and Gemma Topham shared insights on the challenges of rough sleeping and the need for systemic change
Last week, BBC Newsnight’s Victoria Derbyshire joined Thames Reach’s City Outreach team to better understand the challenges of rough sleeping in London and the reasons behind the recent rise in numbers.
Victoria accompanied Charley Matthews, Lead Manager in our City Outreach team, for part of their outreach shift, where they discussed Thames Reach’s work supporting people to move away from the streets and the complex causes behind rough sleeping.
As part of the visit, Victoria also spent time at our Rough Sleeping Assessment Centre in the city, where she spoke with some of the people we support about the challenges they face and their next steps towards leaving the streets behind. She also spoke with Gemma Topham, Lead Manager in the centre, about the difficulties in helping people move on to more permanent accommodation.
The feature shines a light on the realities of rough sleeping and the urgent need for systemic change and collective action to deliver lasting solutions.
The story aired on BBC Newsnight last night, and you can watch it below or on-demand via BBC iPlayer.
Watch the story on BBC iPlayer (starting at 13m20s)