New partnership forum to discuss protecting vulnerable people in Worcester

A meeting is set to take place next month to look at the potential issues around protecting vulnerable people in Worcester.

Following discussions with Jonathan Sutton at St Paul’s Hostel, West Mercia Police will be hosting an ‘Improving lives of vulnerable people’ forum in the city on 22 September.

Officers will be joined by a number of partner agencies – including St Paul’s Hostel, Worcester Cathedral, Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council – to consider ways they can address the issue.

The stakeholder meeting will be held at the Bishop’s Palace in Worcester and chaired by Revd Doug Chaplin.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Superintendent Kevin Purcell, said: “It is difficult not to notice the increase in the numbers of vulnerable people who are begging or involved in street drinking around our city.

“The police are just part of any response but criminalisation is not always the answer.  Many people present complex personal issues and need coordinated help and support from a number of agencies to survive and improve their plight.

“The consensus of colleagues from St Paul’s Hostel, Worcester Cathedral, Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council is that more could, and should, be done to help tackle the issue.

“We believe closer co-ordination between all the organisations, which have a hand in dealing with the issues on a day-to-day basis, is the best place to start and we hope the forum will help with this.”