NEWS PRODUCTION: Draft Script V2 (by Zak)

SHORT ATTENTION SPAN NEWS SCRIPT V.2 – (PICTURES TBC + TIMES EST)

WORDS	PICTURES	TIMES
Hannah: Hello, I’m Hannah and welcome to Short Attention Span news. Today: With last year’s numbers putting Kent’s homeless population at more than 3,000 we’re asking what’s being done to help the rapidly growing number of vulnerable people desperate for somewhere to live. Also: Helping the pooches that help our most marginalised: we meet Dogs on The Streets, the UK’s first voluntary team providing free vet care to homeless pooches and asking how important these loyal friends are when out on the street.		30 seconds
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Hannah: Welcome to Short Attention Span News. With rapidly growing numbers of all kinds of homelessness, from those in temporary accommodation to those sofa surfing or out on the streets homelessness is becoming a national issue. Statistics show no signs of  never has the discussion surrounding homelessness been so critical. The recent Grenfell tragedy has finally forced the government into a long overdue discussion surrounding social housing and homelessness in Britain and locally, as world homeless day and mental health awareness day coincide, Homeless Care’s conference in Maidstone discusses how Kent’s working to help its own homeless population.  Reporter, Rebecca went to find out what’s being done to support the growing number of at-risk people.		38 seconds
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Rebecca:  4.5 million households are living in rented accommodation, over a third of them are families and 53% of them struggle to pay rent. Housing shortages mean that millions across Britain are more vulnerable than ever – sky-high rents, welfare cuts and a lack of suitable and affordable homes are tightening fingers gripping this country in a modern day housing crisis.		20 seconds
A housing crisis comes hand-in-hand with a homeless crisis and Kent’s striking number of homeless people are only set to grow.  Twenty-two thousand one hundred people are recorded homeless in the South-East of England - 3,000 in Kent alone. Last year, a report from homeless charity Shelter reported more than 150 people would be sleeping rough over the winter season in Kent. A shockingly high number but nothing compared to how many will be out in the cold this Christmas. But with homelessness being hard to track and the UK statistics authority confirming the government underscores on every count they take, the real number is unimaginably higher. Homelessness is on the rise and with no signs of change coming soon, a collection of homeless charities and council officials have gathered here at Tudor Park Hotel in Bearstead at the Homeless Care conference to discuss what’s being done to ensure some of the South East’s highest homeless number are well cared for and given the support they need.		55 seconds
Some of this support comes from Matthew Scott, Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner who works closely with local charities to ensure local homeless people are safe on the streets.		10 seconds
Matthew Scott: Unfortunately, we do deal with quite a few issues regarding homeless people and as temperatures start dropping these people become increasingly vulnerable. I’ve ensured that the mental health of these vulnerable people has been threaded throughout my new plans – homeless people are victims enough without having to be victims to themselves.		20 seconds
Rebecca: So what sort of services are on offer to help people without a bed for a night?		6 seconds
Scott: There are many food banks already established and on offer in Maidstone and these services are absolutely essential, providing food, shelter, companionship and most importantly help from the council and local charities to try and get them off the streets. We also have street pastors active on Maidstone’s streets who I’ve joined on patrol. They’re an incredible group who ensure everybody is safe on our night streets and I know they’ve been very helpful, atleast for us, in aiding the local homeless people.		27 seconds
We have also started a scheme our community support officers have been given mental health training so they have the skillset to better deal with homeless people when they’re most vulnerable. A lot are unable to access housing without first being seen by a medical professional whereas in reality they’re spending a lot of time waiting for pills to make them happy but not somebody to talk to when what is really needed is compassion and understanding.		25 seconds
Rebecca: The conference also discussed many schemes that had found success globally – Norway were able to reduce their homeless population by 50% in one year. The idea of ‘alternate giving’ – donating items needed by the homeless, instead of giving them money and spare change – was also raised, as Tunbridge Wells has recently approached Manchester regarding their ‘Big Change’ initiative.		19 seconds
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Hannah: Living on the streets can be tough, dangerous, and lonely. As winter creeps closer and nights get longer and colder, the risks only grow. However, for some homeless people they find safety and companionship in furry, four-legged friends. But is it fair or safe for these dogs on the streets? We go live to XX XXXX who’s at Dogs on the Streets, a London based charity providing free care to street dogs.		24 seconds
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Reporter: Thanks Hannah. Animals, especially dogs play an important part in our society and to our mental health. From family pets to guide and therapy dogs, man’s best friend is always ready to give a loving cuddle when we’re feeling down, so why do some people feel homeless people shouldn’t be allowed dogs?		17 seconds
Some may argue that homeless people don’t have the capabilities to look after a dog – the excessively small minded may even say that homeless people can’t look after themselves let alone a pet, however research shows that most homeless people will secure food and drink for their pet before themselves.		16 seconds
However, dogs aren’t just man’s best friends – sometimes we return the favour. That’s exactly what Dogs On The Streets London do, providing essentials for homeless owners to ensure -who may be their only friend – is able to give their famous unconditional love.		13 seconds
This is XX XXX, one of DOTS essential volunteers. What sort of support exactly is it you’re able to offer?		7 seconds
VOLUNTEER: We get regular donations of essential items such as warm coats, leads, collars and dog food. Whilst dogs can survive on a diet of human food, it’s not best for them so the donations from the public really make a great help to both the pets we see and their owners. We’re entirely dependent on self-funding and donations and it’s so uplifting to be able to continue to provide the support we do all because of the generosity of the public.		27 seconds
We also offer free training as well as vet care and grooming to pets, which is obviously essential for keeping them in prime health.		8 seconds
REPORTER: How useful is a pet to somebody on the streets?		3 seconds
VOLUNTEER: There are endless studies and reports preaching the role that pets and especially dogs have on mental health and countless more highlight how useful pets are for the homeless. Dogs make great companions, giving company to their owners as well as security and somebody to share in their routine.  Pets are very beneficial in helping with depression and other mental illnesses. They give days purpose and something as simple as stroking or playing with a pet can give the owner a chance to calm their minds.		28 seconds
REPORTER: And who could argue with that? I for one feel a lot better after playing with this little guy. Back to you in the studio.		8 seconds
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Hannah: As the nights start colder, life on the streets is getting tougher for homeless people up and down the country. It can be a lonely time but with help from the public it can be easier. Food banks are an essential lifeline to many homeless people and only work because of donations of food and blankets.		18 seconds
This has been Short Attention Span News, thank you.		3 seconds