'Anger and disappointment' at councillors' latest indifference to work of homeless charity

AT a time when there are rising concerns about the rising problem of homelessness in Thurrock, local residents have reacted angrily after one of the borough's premier charities criticised councillors for not having any interest in their work.

The Friends of Essex and London Homeless (FOELH) is a local volunteer organisation that has won national praise for its work in Thurrock, south Essex and in London.

It was founded in Thurrock by Steven Stuart and his wife Cheryl in 2016 and became a registered charity in May 2018

FOELH founders Steven and Cheryl Stuart.

However, the charity has long felt it has had less recognition than it merits in Thurrock, with Mr Stuart a regular critic of Thurrock Council over the years, saying they do not engage or take heed of the experiences and reality of people living rough in the borough and the difficulties experienced by those who try to help them.

It is a frustration built up across past Conservative and Labour administrations, and now Reform councillors find themselves accused of showing little interest in the plight of the borough's less fortunate.

There appears to be an impasse between the council and the charity over its work in the borough, and its use of the Flowers Community Hall (also known as Lime Close Hall) in South Ockendon, which it uses for storage and a base for local operations.

Things have come to a head with a broadside for local councillors from Mrs Stuart, who says the charity has been working hard to build bridges and raise levels of knowledge.

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Mrs Stuart said: "A week ago, Steven and I sent a personal email to 16 Thurrock councillors, inviting them to come along and see first-hand the work that FOELH undertakes across our borough.

"We weren't asking for money. We weren't asking for special treatment. We weren't asking for praise or recognition.

"We were simply asking for a little of their time because it has become apparent that there are misconceptions about who we support and which areas of Thurrock we cover.

"So we wanted to put the record straight."

The relationship between FOELH and previous Thurrock Council administrations has been far from smooth, with clashes of opinion about the size and nature of Thurrock's homeless problem. Last year Mr Stuart (right) was critical of housing portfolio holder Cllr Mark Hurrell's perceptions on the issue.

However, the response has been negligible, leaving her to take to social media to say she feels 'disappointed, frustrated and upset' by the unnamed local councillors, who she says have ignored the charity's overtures.

She says: "What have we received? Four automated out-of-office replies.

"Not one personal acknowledgement. Not one acceptance. Not even a polite 'thank you for the invitation, we'll get back to you.'

"I am disappointed. Actually, I'm more than disappointed. I'm angry.

"I fully appreciate that councillors are busy people, and I'm not suggesting that everyone should be able to drop everything and attend.

"But surely, when a local charity reaches out to 16 elected representatives with a genuine invitation to see the work being done for vulnerable residents across Thurrock, a simple acknowledgement isn't too much to ask?"

Mrs Stuart's comment can be read here.

Residents have supported FOELH, with complimentary comments and condemnation of the councillors' indifference.

Lorraine Garvey-Farrell summed up the feeling when she posted: "This makes me so angry. When they are canvassing for support all the promises are made.

"You are at the heart of the truly needy and are truly needed.

"My estimation of councillors would go to the top if you see them doing the 'right'" thing.

"I hope they see this and realise just how important your work is."

Samantha Byrne said: "It's very disappointing to hear not one councillor could come and see the great work you do for the people of Thurrock day in day out and in all weathers. Hunger, need, support and kindness has no boundaries you have proved that. The work you, Steven and the team do is invaluable to everyone."

Gillian Green commented: "I am so sorry for the lack of anything from these people. You are all going out there, rain or shine helping people, caring for them and doing your absolute best. You are all amazing, every single one of you."

While Lorraine Stalley summed up by saying: "This is terrible and so disappointing, I'm so sorry to hear this, hopefully they will see this post. Thank you for all your hard work for all the communities you help."