DANCERS and cadets are teaming up with a leading charity to help highlight the issue of hidden homelessness at Southend’s Halloween Parade.
Homelessness charity Harp, which is dedicated to helping rough sleepers across the city, will partner with Liberty Performing Arts to create a powerful display symbolising what it has described as the often-invisible nature of homelessness.
The performance will see dancers from Liberty Performing Arts embody ballerina ghosts as they are joined by Harp staff, volunteers and Southend Police Cadets to raise awareness.
Clare Wilson, head of communications at Harp, explains: “When people think of homelessness, they often picture those living on the streets. But in reality, homelessness takes many forms, including sofa surfing or staying in temporary accommodations like bed and breakfasts.
“The latest figures show that in Essex alone, at least 2,155 families are living in temporary housing, and here in Southend, over 35 people are sleeping rough each night.
“The scale of the problem is enormous, and that’s why we chose this theme for our float. We are really grateful to Liberty and the Police Cadets for supporting us with this.”
The concept of hidden homelessness refers to less visible forms of housing insecurity.
According to the Office for National Statistics, hidden homelessness is most likely to affect women, young people and individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Liberty Performing Arts is a Leigh-based performing arts group which offers inclusive classes to students of all ages, and was more than happy to help Harp with its important parade display.
Emma Wright, founder and owner of Liberty Performing Arts, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Harp and bring attention to such an important issue. Our dancers are eager to be part of this exciting community event and have been perfecting their spooky moves for the parade.”
Costumes for the event have largely been created by volunteers from Harp’s recycle and reuse group who have been busy upcycling old white sheets.
As one of the mayor’s charity beneficiaries for 2024, Harp will also feature on the mayor’s float.
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