Community Spirit Knows No Bounds

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Bexhill and Battle MP Dr. Kieran Mullan joined supporters of the Bexhill and Rother Homelessness Unity Group (HUG) for a “Sleep In” at St Barnabas Church in Sea Road, Bexhill on Friday 27th February 2026.

Bexhill‘s Deputy Mayor Memish Huseyin and Rother District Councillor Gareth Delaney also braved the cold and spent the night on the church floor.

HUG is a local charity that supports people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or vulnerably housed.  Run from St Barnabas Church, the charity offers food, hot drinks, showers and laundry facilities, providing a safe place for people to rest and connect and socialise in a non-judgemental environment.  

The ”Sleep In” saw HUG volunteers, trustees and those with lived experienced of homelessness spend the night at St. Barnabas Church, to show solidarity with those who have experienced homelessness and to raise awareness of the issue in the local area.

The event  also created an opportunity for those staying overnight to have honest discussions about housing issues and homelessness locally and to consider possible solutions together.

HUG Project Manager Pauline Goubert said, “The ‘Sleep In’ brought our community together in a powerful show of solidarity, changing the myths and stereotypes that so often surround homelessness.  Many of the people we support are now losing their homes because of the rising cost of living, with increasing numbers of pensioners and disabled people struggling to keep up.  ‘The Sleep In’  also gave us the space to have honest conversations about how we shift the dial and pushed for real solutions.   The shortage of affordable housing locally and the mismatch between housing benefits and actual rental cost are leaving far too many people at risk.  Homelessness is too big for any one person or organisation, but by bringing people from different backgrounds together and actually listening to each other, we can create solutions that truly change lives.”

Dr. Kieran Mullan said, ”There are rarely quick fixes to the challenges of homelessness and the support offered through a wide variety of public sectors and voluntary organisations recognise that individuals experiencing homelessness often have some very complex issues.  There are always challenges to decide how taxpayers money should be spent but whatever view people hold about the cause and solutions, I have always felt as an MP, I should hear from and think about people living in some of the most difficult circumstances in my constituency.  In addition, it is always important to recognise the work of individuals who spend their time and effort in helping others.  I am grateful to all the volunteers at HUG and other local homelessness charities in the constituency for all that they do.”

Cllr Gareth Delaney said,  “ Homelessness it’s not an abstract issue.  It is happening in our streets and our town, and tackling it requires all of us - councils, charities, communities - working together.  HUG is an outstanding example of what compassionate, community led action looks like in practice.”