According to Statista, there were 4,751 individuals who slept rough in 2017 on the streets of Britain, with the figure anticipated to easily break through the 5,000 barrier by the end of 2018.
 

Great Britain currently ranks 5th in the world regarding its GDP value, so it begs the question of how this social issue is continually rising? 

​

Following undertaking a small survey on the streets of Leeds, there is a large stigma towards why a person finds themselves on the streets, with most of the respondents putting it down to alcohol and drug abuse. It is believed that this is the case for around 9% of rough sleepers, with 50% of circumstances boiling down to falling on hard times financially through loss of employment, or personal financial difficulties. 

​

The role of charitable organisations, such as Shelter or St. George's Crypt are now entirely reliant on fundraising adequate funds to provide a safe place for the homeless on a temporary basis. Without the help and support of charities such as those mentioned previously, the figure would almost definitely be much greater.

​

What is the point of the bench? In short, it is to raise awareness of design-led difficulties faced by the general public, and more so homeless individuals, to encourage engagement with this vast topic. As mentioned, around 50% only find themselves in this difficult situation due to financial difficulties, and not alcohol or drug abuse such as the stigma suggests. Without a crude, obvious catalyst to spark a conversation, a high majority of individuals within the public realm would continue to ignore the topic.