In a queue, and newly homeless, I realised: this is where change begins
10,000 miles and counting: Wayne Walton’s fight to end homelessness across the UK
Wayne Walton estimates he has walked more than 10,000 miles alongside homeless individuals. Now, he’s calling for national action—urging the entire UK to wake up, mobilise, and demand solutions.
“That’s what homeless people do,” he says. “You never know how much you’ve walked, but with everything I’ve done, I’d be surprised if it were less.”
Determined to see homelessness not just reduced but eradicated, Wayne Walton is launching a nationwide movement. He’s encouraging people across the United Kingdom to stand together, demand accountability, and help fund a mobile emergency unit to assist people in crisis.
Wayne: It's a nationwide crisis
Homelessness is a national emergency, with rising numbers in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow—and virtually every town across the UK. Government figures show that rough sleeping has surged since the pandemic, yet support systems remain broken and underfunded.
Wayne Walton believes it’s time for bold action, led by people with lived experience—not just policymakers and charities. He urges cities and communities beyond Yorkshire to join the fight.
“We cannot wait for another crisis. In March 2025, homelessness is worse than ever. The government keeps making false promises, but nothing is changing. We need a nationwide awakening.”
Walking through hardship: Wayne's journey to advocacy
Wayne Walton’s personal battle with homelessness began in 2019, when violence and racism drove him from his home in northeast London. With nowhere safe to go—and his social security payments stopped—he was forced into rough sleeping.
He soon discovered that up to 100 people a night were sleeping in a shopping centre, relying on faith groups for food. That moment shifted his perspective forever.
“Standing in that queue, I felt like I shouldn’t be there. But then I realised—this is exactly where change begins.”
Determined to help, Wayne Walton connected people with aid organisations, gathered a team of Christian activists, and petitioned the government in December 2019—only to be told homelessness couldn’t be solved even in a decade.
Then, in March 2020, the pandemic proved them wrong.
Wayne: The pandemic showed solutions are possible
Within three weeks, the UK government rolled out the “Everyone In” policy—placing thousands of rough sleepers into accommodation. The same Government that had claimed this was impossible for ten years had solved the issue in days.
Wayne Walton became a key part of this emergency response, volunteering at 5am daily to help homeless individuals find shelter. Alongside activists, he even helped set up a temporary village for those missed by councils—transforming an abandoned dairy into shelter with donated blankets, tents, and supplies.
When local officials tried to shut the effort down, media exposure forced them to accommodate those in need. Wayne Walton stayed for a year, distributing aid via a donated minibus.
Expanding the mission beyond Yorkshire
In 2021, a family tragedy sent Wayne Walton overseas. When he returned to the UK, his sister in Sheffield encouraged him to stay for a while—a move that unexpectedly reshaped his mission.
While walking Sheffield’s streets, he felt a spiritual calling—a divine push to finish the advocacy work he had started years before.
Since then, Wayne Walton has developed counseling and evangelism programs, helping homeless individuals nationwide navigate local services. He continues to move between sofa-surfing and rough sleeping, yet remains driven by faith.
“I have hope. That’s what Jesus gives us. God has a plan.”
Wayne's plan for a mobile emergency unit
Wayne Walton’s next step is big—a van-based emergency unit capable of reaching homeless individuals across the UK.
“Too many people can’t get from A to B, can’t transport their belongings, and can’t access support. A mobile unit would change that.”
He recalls helping a blind ex-Muslim man struggling with trauma and anxiety—terrified to leave his home. A mobile response team could bring care directly to people like him.
This is not just about Sheffield—it’s about every city, every town. Homelessness is not a regional issue, it’s a national crisis.
Wayne Walton urges the public across the nation to step up and push for real change.
“Einstein said insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. The government’s approach isn’t working—people have the answers.”
How you can get involved
Wayne Walton’s group meets every Friday at Barker’s Pool, Sheffield, S1 1EF (6pm-9pm), inviting individuals to organise change beyond Yorkshire. He’s calling for people from all across the UK to join.
They aim to:
- Fund a mobile emergency unit
- Organise rallies nationwide
- Demand government accountability
The movement’s WhatsApp group has 75 members, and supporters can email:
praiseuk3@gmail.com
Upcoming national events
- May 25: UK Prayer Festival at Barker’s Pool, Sheffield
- August 23-25: National Rally—Praise UK (Christian music festival)
“We are seeking the greatest sustainable revival movement in the history of God. We pray daily at 8am, calling the UK to pray together for an hour—asking for sustainable change.”
Help Fund the Mobile Emergency Unit – Donate Today!
Wayne says: “Homelessness is a national emergency – we must act now! We’re raising funds to create a mobile emergency unit that will provide direct support, transport, food and urgent care for rough sleepers across the UK.”
- Donate today.
- Share & spread the word!
- Join us in Sheffield every Friday!
Homelessness isn’t inevitable—it’s preventable. The UK must wake up and demand real change.
Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for standing with us!
Comments (02)