Students who want to raise awareness of rising homelessness figures went out onto Hackney’s streets to hand out rucksacks filled with essentials like socks and rain macs to homeless people.

The group from BSix Brooke House Sixth Form College in Kenninghall Road, Upper Clapton, realised public spending cuts and changes to the welfare system have caused an increase in homelessness.

They applied for a £100 grant from social action charity Envision’s community apprentice programme, which supports young people to implement social action projects to tackle issues they feel strongly about.

They could then afford to buy bags and fillers like gloves, toiletries and notepads, which they handed out to homeless people last Friday.

They filmed discussions with the people regarding the issues they face and now plan to make an awareness raising film.

Shennoy Edge, 19, said: “I think the distribution of care packs won’t change the fact that they are homeless but it makes them feel like they are still human and everyone is equal.

“Being homeless is not by choice and I think that if everyone works together we can all tackle the issue of homelessness.”

Jasmine Walker, 19, added: “We’re taking a more personal and direct approach because we are actually talking to them and listening to their stories.

“We hope this small act of generosity will make a difference to people’s lives in Hackney.”