Plan to end Homelessness launched in December 2025.

It sometimes feels like the old adage of “two steps forward, one step back” with this government.

This week the PM questioned whether the government is spending too much on benefits, rather than focusing resources on treatment and wider support. His comments highlight the question of how to ensure people with mental health challenges are empowered to live fulfilling lives independent of welfare.

It is often said that you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. This common human tendency to overlook blessings until they disappear is applicable in so many forms. We naturally overlook relationships, health, possessions and memories, and we don’t necessarily know we are experiencing the “good times” until worse ones come along. Devastatingly, this also applies to people as well as there are many who aren't fully appreciated until they depart this world. While this is common, it is not the case for Ricky Hatton. Everybody knew just how special he was. 

The growth of First People Housing over the last couple of years has been amazing. From increases in staff, clientele and houses, the trajectory of the company has risen above even the most ambitious plans established by the leadership team three years ago.

Homelessness is a divisive issue in the UK. While there is undeniably a lot of compassion for people unfortunate enough to be homeless, there are also people with feelings of animosity and negativity towards them. Many people couldn’t care less about homelessness, and while changing that is a big barrier to combating the crisis, broadening perspectives and increasing critical understanding of homelessness is essential to changing minds. 

After 200 years, rough sleeping will finally be decriminalised

The government has announced the Vagrancy Act will be repealed and rough sleeping will no longer be treated as a criminal offence in England and Wales. The act, introduced in 1824, aimed to address growing homelessness after the Napoleonic Wars and Industrial Revolution. 

At First People CIC, we believe in second chances.

Every day, we support individuals in Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City as they rebuild their lives after trauma, homelessness, substance misuse, or involvement with the criminal justice system. Our approach is community-based, trauma-informed, and grounded in the belief that with the right support, anyone can turn a corner.

Now, we’re taking the next step — and we need your help.

Homelessness Minister resigns amidst embarrassing hypocrisy 

It was revealed yesterday that Homelessness Minister, Rushanara Ali, resigned from her post in a somewhat humiliating fashion. Ms Ali, who held the post since Labour’s election landslide in July 2024, is accused of evicting tenants in one of her homes and relisting the property for nearly £700 higher per month. The story was broken by the i Newspaper.

UK public opinion is changing. There is a tangible sense of frustration and even animosity this summer, with empathy and understanding seemingly on the decline.

There have been protests outside hotels where asylum seekers are housed, alongside a general propensity to blame them, and immigration as a whole, for pretty much every issue the UK faces.

Summer is upon us and the brief stint of sunshine we’ve had so far has many people looking like they have never even heard of sun cream. It is somewhat understandable, the summer almost creeps up on us in the UK, but one of the biggest advantages is the vibrance it brings, and many studies have equated exposure to sunlight with improved mental health.