There is no blueprint,” says the Rev Keith Teasdale. “Some have just had a steady job, working for a local employer, they’ve been made redundant and then ended up homeless.

“Sometimes they’ve fallen out with their families. Each one has a different story to tell.”

Autumn’s chill can prove a frightening time for Cumbria’s homeless. Summer in the north of England might not be wall-to-wall sunshine but it provides some respite from the biting cold for those sleeping under the stars.

In Carlisle this winter, those sleeping rough will be able to gain some shelter at the breakfast gatherings run by various organisations including the church and the Salvation Army.

The Rev Teasdale is among those who helps out as food is dished out at St Aidan’s Church hall on Warwick Road, a scheme that has been running through the week since the summer.

He sees first hand the causes and effects of homelessness and the personalities of those involved.

“They couldn’t be more genuine, nice people,” he says. “They are so appreciative of what you do.

“Some are younger. All male, predominantly late forties into 60 as an age group.

“A lot of middle-aged men visit here. That can cause problems for the winter if they are older.

“I had one in the other day. He was 30-years-old and had been sleeping rough since he was 18.

“Then there are some who come for a couple of weeks running. We had a guy from Glasgow, regularly because he pitched his tent behind St Aidan’s Church.”

Numbers vary. Some days nobody turns up. Other mornings there can be five or more homeless people seeking breakfast.

Experts point to the issue of homelessness being more visible in the summer, with many homeless people choosing to sleep outdoors when it is warmer.


The Rev Keith Teasdale “In the winter they either go into hostel or they sofa surf. In the summer there are more around,” adds the Rev Teasdale.

Figures say that last year 36 tents were given to homeless people by charities.

Carlisle City Council says the most recent official count of rough sleepers was carried out in November last year.

Between 2am and 4am about 45 areas were searched from information gathered by people including Cumbria police, the Salvation Army and other agencies involved with the homeless.

On this occasion no rough sleepers were found. But the council says homelessness support and advice is still available for anyone needing help.

Among those who says he has spent weeks living homeless in Carlisle this summer is Alfonso Bitton.

He’s young, articulate and popular. But he says he settles down many nights in a tent in land off the city’s Currock estate. Spending the night in a sleeping bag after cooking up a supper on his gas stove.

The 20-year-old adds he came to the city following time spent in Eden after feeling the need to get away from his life in Newcastle.

He says he wants to stay in the city and pursue an ambition to be a photographer of landscapes such as those in the Lake District.

Alfonso has found himself a regular daytime spot in Carlisle city centre under an arch at The Citadel buildings, close to Carlisle railway station.

Here people stop to chat, wishing him good luck and their best wishes. His case has caught the imagination of people in Carlisle, with hundreds signing a petition to find him a home.

Alfonso said he spent time on the streets of Newcastle sleeping in doorways but found it “too rough”.

“I was waking up with knives in my face,” he added, saying he came to Cumbria because a friend showed him where to camp in countryside in Eden.

He says he camped in land at Beacon Edge, Penrith, some months ago before coming through to Carlisle.

Alfonso, dressed in combat trousers and a fleece, adds that while in the city he has camped near to the Eden by the Sheepmount sports ground, before spending time by the river Caldew in Denton Holme.

Of his time near the Sheepmount, he said: “Somebody tried to burn down my tent at 11.30 at night. I had to pick my tent up and leave.”

He says he spent time near Ullswater before returning to Carlisle and his current plot near Currock.

Alfonso adds: “People say: Are you not scared at night time?

“You can’t have a fear. You’ve just got to get on with it. You need your sleep, your rest.


Alfonso Bitton “It’s freezing at night. I got a chest infection last year. That is why I want to do something, to get something sorted for winter.

“Sometimes someone offers me a room at night. If not, I just set my tent up.”

He says he feels more secure as a homeless man in Carlisle.

“Over here it’s safer,” he added. “You get help. I’m not going anywhere.

“People help me out. The people I meet know I want to do something with my life.

“I do get fed. I’m not a druggie, I’m not stupid. People give me money and if I make a fiver I’ll get tins from Tesco and put the gas stove on.”

Authorities say homelessness is a complicated issue and help is not always taken up.

A Carlisle City Council spokeswoman says: “Homelessness support and advice is available for anyone that needs our help.

“It is a complex issue and one that requires different support depending on a range of factors, including the person’s connection to the Carlisle area and how, if possible, they can be reconnected to their family.

“This is not always possible and we would assess the person’s individual needs.

“Unfortunately in some cases although assistance is offered it is not always taken up, however we would continue to offer help.”

The spokeswoman urged Alfonso to contact the authority. “Although he has previously declined our offer of temporary accommodation, we continue to offer advice and support,” she said.