NewVIc GCSE Citizenship students organised a campaign to raise awareness of homelessness in Newham and find ways to tackle the issue which affects 1 in 22 people in the borough.

NewVIc GCSE Citizenship students organised a campaign to raise awareness of homelessness in Newham and find ways to tackle the issue which affects 1 in 22 people in the borough, according to Newham Council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2021 – 2026.

As part of their campaign, NewVIc students held an event on campus to raise awareness of the scale of the issue and help young people to understand the challenges homeless people face. Students collected non-perishable food items and raised more than £240 to support a local food bank charity - The Newham Community Project - which works to end UK hunger and poverty.

NewVIc students also reached out to local MP, the Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms to voice their concerns on the matter and share their thoughts on local and national homeless strategies. Sir Stephen met with GCSE Citizenship students today to explore government strategies, watch a powerful video students had created and to hear their thoughts on how to end homelessness.

Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms said:

“I was delighted to meet with NewVIc students and staff today. Homelessness is a huge problem in Newham - there are more than 30,000 people on council lists waiting to be housed.

“Newham Council are working on a range of projects and strategies aimed at preventing and eradicating homelessness, including working with local initiatives.”

“I think the shortage of housing sits at the heart of homelessness. We need to get Britain building homes again. If we can do this, we will start to make progress.”

“During the pandemic we managed to ensure that homeless people were put in accommodation. This demonstrates that where there is a political will, it can be achieved.”

“I really appreciate NewVIc students’ interest in this issue and their campaign to raise awareness and help address the matter.”

NewVIc GCSE Citizenship student, Tithi, added:

“I’ve learned so much about all the challenges faced by homeless people. I have gained insights into root causes of homelessness such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, mental health issues and systemic inequalities. It has helped me become an active citizen.

I have also learned many social qualities such as teamwork, leadership skills, time management skills. I am passionate about this project; it is an issue that should remain at the forefront of everyone’s minds and I feel I’ve been heard by meeting with our local MP to discuss how we can work together to end homelessness.”

Teacher and Tutor of Foundation Learning, Saima Bibi who helped support students organise the event, said:

“Unfortunately we have seen a huge rise in homelessness amongst young people in the UK and Newham and it is important for students to raise awareness about this. I am proud our students have collaborated to advocate for positive change and how they have also developed Citizenship skills such as critical thinking and problem solving.

They have shown that they are able to be active citizens by successfully raising awareness to NewVIc staff and students by raising money. They have also collected 100’s of non-perishable food items to be donated to Newham Community Project. I believe it is important to exercise our freedoms in order to help enable positive change in our local community.”