Muhammad Talha
COUNCILLOR ABDUL AZIZ, the Mayor of Barking & Dagenham, helped spread a little festive cheer by inviting a group of local homeless residents to join him in his parlour and enjoy lunch with him.
The Mayor has a passion for campaigning against homelessness which goes back to his youth, and he and the First Lady hosted the small group at the Barking Learning Centre Relish restaurant.
Mayor Aziz said, “Winter is particularly a time of the year in which our homeless citizens suffer the most because of the freezing cold. On an emotional level it is very hard for many, especially at Christmas. Lots of people are estranged from families and friends. I’m really glad that we have hosted this lunch – no one should feel alone.”
Also in attendance was Longbridge Ward Councillor Linda Rice, who performed a live medley of Yuletide songs for the guests and staff.
Emdad Rahman is the volunteer Soup Kitchen Co-ordinator for the Barking & Dagenham Volunteer Bureau. He added, “New research reveals that 16,000 young adults alone will be homeless this Christmas and this morning I read psychologist Dr Anna Mandeville warn of the detrimental side effects this can have for young people and the fundamental need for people to have a ‘secure base.’ Thank you to Mayor Abdul Aziz, the First Lady and Councillor Rice for this experience.”
•Read more about it: One Third & HRF team up for homeless soup kitchen Homeless London braces itself for winter
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