They are a sad, all too common sight on Huddersfield’s streets.

And, according to Huddersfield charity Simon on the Streets, the number of homeless people is not set to go down anytime soon, thanks to under-funded organisations, benefit sanctions and widespread under reporting of the problem.

Established in 2010, the charity’s three workers and volunteers scour the streets to try get people help and are desperately pushing for reform to stop the amount of rough sleepers growing.

They provide lifeline support to 25 men and women in the town by signposting them in the direction of services and support groups, helping them get back in touch with relatives and providing emotional help.

For Helen Beachell, Jamie Ross and Robin Taylor from the charity it is a constant battle to get a fairer deal for those adults who are some of the most vulnerable in society.

Manager Helen explained: “They face many problems in gaining support, some of which have not been helped by policies made and continued by the Coalition Government.

“One of the biggest is the effect of benefits sanctions, which have been bringing more people to the cusp than ever before in these last two years.

“People are so much more easily sanctioned these days – It may seem like a cop out but it’s true.

“We’ve dealt with clients in Huddersfield who have turned a corner but found themselves sanctioned for missing an appointment. They end up getting kicked out of their home and then they’re back to square one.

“They need to look at reforming the sanctioning system and take into proper consideration the mental health issues of some people which can affect their ability to comply with the strict rules.”

Senior support worker Jamie added: “These are some of the most vulnerable people and the benefits system was set up to help people just like them get back onto their feet.

A homeless man shelters under the railway bridge

“It just seems ridiculous that they are now the ones who are being punished by these decisions.”

Helen said the under reporting of rough sleepers by official annual counts by councils is also having a negative impact.

A government report issued recently revealed that, according to the count, there were only four rough sleepers in the whole of Kirklees in 2014.

Helen said: “Government funds are given to local organisations based on these counts.

“But we’re out on the streets all the time and know by the increased numbers we see that the way they do them is not at all accurate

“They only look in certain places and there are very strict conditions for who counts as homeless.

“For example, no-one who is sleeping in a doorway, up a fire escape, those sofa surfing or living in temporary accommodation, like hostels, get counted.

“It has a great impact on local government funding because very low numbers don’t warrant much funding.

“Even the funding that is available is then not always appropriate because it is usually given out to services for a limited period of time or to fund a one size fits all scheme.

“This makes it hard to help those that we deal with, many of whom are long-term homeless and have really complex needs.”

For support worker Robin Taylor there are more issues that are giving him constant concern.

He said: “The big worry now for me is legal highs which are becoming more and more common and can have a very negative impact on someone’s life very quickly.

“The problem of alcoholism is also a concern because those we see in the town have long struggled with this and although we are helping them, it’s a long process to recovery.

“Then we have the pregnant women who will try to hide away.

“They are on the priority housing list but many do everything in their power to not tell anyone that they’re pregnant because they know that we have to report them to social services and they’re worried that their babies could get removed at birth. We’ve had several cases like this.

One of the plaques commemorating the homeless passed.

“However, with our help we are making a difference. Some of those we met at the start of our project have moved on from us and back into a house and job, which is great to see.”

Not government-funded, Simon on the Streets relies upon grants and donations from businesses and caring individuals and has just launched its new fundraising drive for 2015.

Helen hopes the money will ensure they are able to keep running their services, lobby the government for change and deal with any additional homelessness.

She said: “We’re now looking to create more partnerships with local businesses or donors who can support our efforts by donating money regularly.

“It’s a great way for them to put something back into the community.

“We’re also looking for anyone who can help us fund raise by hosting their own event-anything we receive could make a crucial difference to the life of someone so vulnerable.”

For more information or to get in touch with the team, go to simononthestreets.co.uk or email admin@simononthestreets.co.uk.