Ken Loach To Guest Star At Homelessness Awards

One of his most famous works told the story of a poverty-stricken family battling against homelessness. Now Ken Loach will be the special guest at a reception for homeless people in Bath.

The award-winning director, who has a long-standing connection to the city, will be attending the Drugs and Homeless Initiative’s (DHI) Client Achievement Awards on Thursday, November 15.

The awards ceremony will be the highlight of the organisation’s annual event at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution in Queen Square.

Mr Loach, who directed Cathy Come Home in 1966, will be handing out some of the awards.

The docu-drama was credited with raising the profile of homelessness and its effect on families.

Soon after it was screened, the charity Shelter was formed, and more attention was paid to the way the issue was tackled by local authorities.

Rosie Phillips, chief executive officer at the DHI, said: “We are very pleased that Ken Loach will be our special guest for the evening, and will be presenting some of the awards.

“We will also be presenting a short film during the evening about each of our winners in the six categories.”

The DHI was set up in 1999 to help those in need out of the cycle of homelessness and drug and alcohol abuse.

Its aim is to assist people to address their addictions and take control of their lives again.

During the past eight years the charity, from its base in Milsom Street, has helped more than 4,000 people overcome their addictions, and helped them to build a better future.

“The Client Achievement Awards pay tribute to those who have made exceptional progress, who have worked positively throughout their treatment programme and have provided support to their peers,” said Ms Phillips.

“Both staff and clients have been nominating people for the awards, and the DHI is looking forward to celebrating the accomplishments of the winners.”

As well as Cathy Come Home, Mr Loach also directed acclaimed films such as Kes and The Wind That Shakes The Barley, which won the Palme d’Or at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.

He lived in Bath for many years, and became a director of Bath City Football Club, which he still supports by holding fundraising events.

To find out more about the work of the organisation visit www. drugsandhomeless.org.uk, or call 01225 329411.