Homelessness

Conor is determined to do all that he can to ease the plight of the homeless and has made this one of his major priorities as a Member of Parliament. He will do all he can to bring the many charities together to maximise all the important work they do and to avoid duplication and to encourage the local council to engage and work with the effective work that the charities do. 

“I went to a private school run by Christian brothers and we were very much encouraged to consider that the privilege we had was one side of the coin; the other side was responsibility,” explained Conor. “When I was in my sixth form, I coordinated a project to improve conditions for patients in our local mental health facility. Sadly, when I returned years later, the hospital had closed and some of those patients were the people now living in the street. “Behind every person on the street there is a tragedy and I feel the obligation that we should do all we can. I’m not convinced that we’re getting it right here in Bournemouth or embracing the range of charity organisations, professional organisations and churches that wish to help. It’s in the town’s economic as well as moral interest to help people get off the street.”

During the pandemic the Government have given BCP a total of £7.4 million to help tackle rough sleeping.

Tackling rough sleeping and homelessness

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News

Conor Visits Veteran Charity

Conor visited the local Charity Helping Homeless Veterans where he meet with David Wood the CEO and Neil Hague a trustee with responsibility for Build and Garrisons, at the charities project in Winton where they are converting a living area above the British Legion Club into living accommodation for

Conor visits Faithworks Wessex

Conor paid a visit to Faithworks Wessex, the homeless and food bank charity,  meeting with Alistair Doxat-Purser their CEO at the Half Time facility run with the YMCA on Westover Road.

Getting help to those who need it during the pandemic

I have been making sure the views expressed to me locally are conveyed to Ministers directly.  I remember well watching the press conference Rishi Sunak did at the very start of this process when he announced the furlough scheme.  I watched it with a local hotel owner who that mo

Spending Review 2020 - what it means for Bournemouth West

​​​​​​This year has required a huge deal of the British people, which is exactly why it is so important that today’s Spending Review delivers on the priorities of the British people as we start our economic recovery. This Government's priorities immediate priority is to protect people’s l

Support for Charities during Covid-19

Throughout the Covid pandemic, our communities have lent on charities more than ever for their vital support. It is for this reason that I am delighted that the Government have pledged £750m in support for the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors across the UK.

More Government support for families

I know that this has been a challenging time for many and as such, I'm proud that the Government have today extended our successful Holiday Activities and Food programme by up to £220 million - whilst also funding a £170 million Covid Winter Grant Scheme, ensuring families get the help they need.

£3M Holiday Meals Support to BCP

Conor was delighted to announce a £3 million grant to Bournemouth Christchurch Poole Council to help feed children during the school holidays.

£5m Grant to tackle homelessness

Rt Hon Conor Burns MP announces he has secured a £5m grant for BCP Council to help build supported living for the homeless in the conurbation.

£5m to end Rough Sleeping in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Having worked on the issue of rough sleeping for some years I warmly welcome this announcement. £5m to build new supported homes for rough sleepers will be a big step towards delivering the Government's ambition to eliminate rough sleeping in England.