A HOMELESS charity is calling on all rough sleepers, or those with no fixed address, to make sure they vote in the up-coming general election.

HARP wants to dispel the myth that homeless people can’t vote.

If you are homeless, sofa surfing, or between permanent homes, you are still entitled to have a voice in the election.

Damon Starky, meaningful activities co-ordinator at HARP, said: “The voices of homeless people are just as important as anyone else’s and it’s important they know that.

“The outcome of the up-coming election will have a greater impact on those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness than others in our community because they have less resources to cushion them from the decisions made at government level.”

Anyone registering to vote has to provide an address proving which constituency they live in, but this doesn’t have to be permanent.

A “care of” address can be given, which can be a friend’s house, temporary accommodation or even a homeless service provider like HARP.

Damon added: “Voting is a way for homeless people to be truly, actively involved in decision-making within our society and have a real influence on the issues that impact their chance of a better future.

“The deadline is fast approaching, so if you want your voice to be heard, register now.”

HARP is offering to help anyone who doesn’t have a permanent address, but would like to register to vote.

Those with no fixed or permanent address can go to the Bradbury Day Centre at 103-107 York Road, Southend, where they will be given a paper registration form, any time up to Friday, November 22.

HARP will then post your form to Southend Council in time for it to arrive by the final registration deadline.

Meanwhile the long, dark, nights have arrived in full force and the charity is officially entering its busiest time of year as more homeless people come to the charity for support.

The latest figures for October saw a total of 68 new service users.

A total of 22 of them were sleeping rough, 30 were sofa surfing, and 16 were at risk of losing their accommodation and needed help and support to keep it.

All 68 of them received specialist advice on their situation.

HARP was also able to help 24 people into HARP accommodation, and 12 people moved on from HARP to live independently.

The charity, which is vital to so many homeless people in the borough, or those at risk of homelessness, served 6,487 meals to its residents and day centre service users, and it also gave out 93 night packs and 20 emergency food parcels in October alone.

To find out more about HARP, visit www.harpsouthend.org.uk