Street talk: A shocking homelessness fact prompted Jennifer Kavanagh’s latest book

‘I was learning simplicity from those who have least.’

‘I’ve become aware of the diversity of people’s lives, and the rhythms of their days.’

In 1861, asylum for the homeless poor of London was opened when the thermometer reached freezing point. In 2017 the mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced plans to open homeless shelters there every day the temperature was forecast to drop below zero. When people ask what led me to write Let Me Take You by the Hand, I have many answers, but finding that shocking juxtaposition was one step along the way. How much has really changed?

You need to login to read subscriber-only content and/or comment on articles.