Plans to provide an extended health safety net for local homeless people has been welcomed by the Workers Party’s South Belfast representative, Patrick Lynn.

Health checks and ongoing support are extremely important for everting, and particularly for those who are homeless. The average life expectancy of people sleeping rough is thought to be around 43 years.

That is an appalling indictment of the society we live in and the priorities it has. Initiatives like this, and the tireless work of groups like the Welcome Organisation, are always to be supported.

However, only the public provision of affordable housing and meaningful strategies to address and overcome homelessness can stem this tide and offer dignity, security and a quality of life to all.