PUBLIC SECT0R: Crisis to extend B&B Xmas campaign

Crisis is to step up its Christmas campaign highlighting the plight

of those in hostel and bed and breakfast accommodation in the new

year.

The current winter campaign, called Hidden Homelessness, aims to show

that the reduction in rough sleeping - a success lauded by the

Government - is just a small part of the homelessness issue.

Ninety-five per cent of all homeless live in temporary accommodation,

according to the charity. Next year's PR plans will include a major

media relations push in the spring.

Crisis director of comms and policy Julia Crighton said: 'This will be

specifically to highlight the issue of single homeless people in bed and

breakfast accommodation.'

She added PA work already underway will be stepped up next year with a

different emphasis on gaining assurances over Government funding to help

solve homelessness.

The Government has announced plans to set up a homelessness directorate

to better tackle the problem.

Crighton said: 'There's no mention of funds and little detail at the

moment. We want to ensure it is as effective as possible.'

The charity is already lobbying to urge the Government to produce

accurate figures of single homeless people. Crighton added current

figures do not include single people.

The current campaign was launched last week to coincide with the

Government's announcement on homeless figures which said rough sleeper

numbers have been slashed by two thirds. Consultant Adrian Gillan has

been hired to support national and regional media relations.

The Government's latest figures on rough sleepers were announced through

the Rough Sleepers Unit.

According to the RSU there are 500 people sleeping on the streets

compared to 1,850 in 1998. However, according to Crisis, more than

400,000 live in temporary accommodation.