SOUTHEND’S Business Improvement District initiative is working in partnership with the town’s homeless charity, Harp, in encouraging residents to take time out to speak to the homeless community.

The group has produced a 12-page booklet titled “Don’t Just Walk By” to encourage people support those in less fortunate positions than themselves.

Areas which are of most concern include the High Street and Warrior Square, just off the the high street.

Harp is concerned about the number of people in the area who are sleeping rough may turn to drink or drugs to help deal with the problems they face.

Many of those on the streets are also very vulnerable to abuse and some cases violence.

The booklet has been produced to help residents and visitors understand that in some cases having a chat may be more beneficial to the homeless community than giving money where people could use the cash given to pay for alcohol or drugs, as opposed to food and shelter .

Speaking about the new initiative, Alison Dewey, the Southend Bid manager, said: “We will be actively engaging members of the public to discuss how to best help homeless people and find long-term solutions for rough sleeping and street drinking, as well as encourage engagement with Harp’s services.”

Harp runs the Bradbury Day Centre in York Road where rough sleepers are able to get hot meals, washing and laundry facilities, plus a range of other services to support them.

There is also a support network for homeless people who suffer from drink and drug addictions so that they can learn to deal with the issues they have.

Within the booklets are tear out cards for people to hand over to rough sleepers who they feel could be helped by the work that the campaign is doing.

Alison said: “We have been working closely with Harp in recent weeks to develop the booklet, so that it is both educational and inspirational for the public.”

To launch the initiative, an event will be held at Victoria Circus at the top of Southend High Street on Thursday.

Representatives from Bid and Harp will be at the event to let residents know what they can do to benefit the homeless community in Southend and as a result, those in other areas as well.

The booklets, funded by Southend Bid are available in printed and downloadable e-versions.

To find out more information, go to visitsouthend.co.uk or follow Visit Southend on Facebook and Twitter.