The Simon Community have been praised for their work supporting the homeless people in Northern Ireland.

Last year 18,628 people presented as homeless to the Housing Executive in NI and recent statistics for Causeway Coast & Glens council area for 2014/2015 showed 1,124 presented as homeless.

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald recently met with the Team Leader of Coleraine Simon Community, Anthony McPeake.

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She said: "Mr McPeake outlined the difficultly though in determining true levels of homelessness, as there is a hidden statistic in those who are homeless but can usually find a bed with friends or acquaintances, what is known as sofa-surfing.

"There are many reasons why people find themselves homeless and individuals often have other issues such as addiction or mental health issues that require specific support. This can be particularly challenging for the Simon Community support workers and they must be commended for the important service they provide."

(CD/LM)