Here’s how the government’s new Criminal Justice Bill could impact rough sleepers like me

As somebody who has personally experienced homelessness, I am really worried by the UK government’s new proposals around rough sleeping. Suggesting that people will cause a “nuisance” by seeking shelter in a doorway, or looking like they “intend” to sleep rough, is awful. Proposing to move them on, fine them up to £2,500 and even imprison them for doing these things is inconceivable.

I became street homeless back in 1990, when I was just 14 years old. It was safer for me to be on the streets than it was to be in the “family home”. Eighteen months later I was saved by The Big Issue. But that’s a story for another day.

When I was sleeping rough, there was one time when I was kicked awake by a group of men. They were young men, between 20 and 25, but men nonetheless. I was woken up when one kicked me in the face. The others joined in with punches and kicks when I tried to get up.

They broke my ribs and my teeth. I suffered a dislocated shoulder and still remember how incredibly dark my black eyes were.

I also remember the numerous times when a police officer would spot you on a Friday night, stop you, search you and, without any discernible reason, arrest you – usually “on suspicion” of something or other.

The officer would put you in one of the dungeon-like cells knowing, as well as you did, that it would be Monday morning before you appeared in front of a magistrate, if it went that far. That meant two days and three nights in a freezing cell, feeling powerless over what was going to happen next. The fact this was done by someone charged to protect you simply added to the feelings of alienation and despair.

It is not always the physical injuries that hurt the most. Being ignored, being spat on, having rubbish thrown on you: all those things leave their marks. On the streets, violence is never far away. Recent research from Crisis found that nine out of 10 people sleeping on the streets have been victims of violence or abuse.

Once I was housed and supported, I resolved to dedicate my working life to helping other people experiencing homelessness. Over 30 years I have helped hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people to leave the streets behind – even though the streets never really leave you.

I have worked with every age group, every type of issue you could name and every type of outcome available. I have learnt, and continue to believe, that the correct intervention, at the correct time, can help a person facing homelessness rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. I have seen it work so many times that I know it to be true.

Criminalising someone for sleeping rough makes things more complicated. It puts barriers in the way. It breaks people’s spirits, and sometimes that’s all you have to work with.

The measures in the Criminal Justice Bill will entrench the punishment of people who have no other option but to sleep rough. They will expose people in dangerous situations to greater violence and insecurity.

Ministers must see that threats, fines, stereotyping and prison will help no one escape homelessness. I urge them to focus on what’s proven to rebuild lives – the offer of stable housing and specialist, compassionate support – and to get rid of these heartless new measures.

Andy O’Rourke is a support worker at Crisis, the national charity for people experiencing homelessness