Economic downturn spurs LSE students to sleep on the streets for homeless charity

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Kawsar Zaman, 21, a final year LSE law student and one of the key organisers behind the campaign said the ‘Sleep Out’ is a campaign devised collectively to bring the issue of homelessness right to the forefront of the student and academic community at the LSE.

“When we think of homelessness our imaginations often take us to the streets of Africa or Asia. But homelessness is a sad reality in the UK as much as any other part of the world which is all too conveniently brushed under the carpet. ,” Mr Zaman said.

“We have long term homeless, but also people who are increasingly struggling to make ends meet because of the economic downturn. Many families are facing repossession of their homes."

Mr Zaman said the students were inspired to take action after attending Anchor House’s Appeal Launch last month with Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Chairman of the East London Mosque and patron of the charity.

“We found that Anchor House not only gives people a roof over their heads but empowers them with new skills and rehabilitation to take back their lives,” he said.

“They don’t just talk – they act. So we are appealing to all - to dig deep and support Anchor House.”

All money raised will go towards Anchor House’s £9.3 million Home and Hope Appeal to redevelop and improve the services of its nationally acclaimed residential life-skills centre in Canning Town, www.anchorhouseuk.org. People can donate online at www.justgiving.com/Sleepingout.

Photos and interviews are available by calling Jazmine Sandon, Marketing Executive on 0207 476 6062, communications@anchorhouseuk.org.