Lots of Londoners own a bike, but one North London dad-of-two has used the mode of transport to become a hero in his community, creating a 24-hour emergency response team across the city to tackle homelessness. Verral Paul-Walcott, 35, began helping those in need during the pandemic, delivering goods such as toothpaste and toothbrushes to the homeless.
Now he has a team of cyclists from all different boroughs who are on call to help give people things they need. The cycling group 'c86erz' have set meeting points all over London where they can pick up goods from Verral's van.
They then ride different routes in London and help people as and when they see them on the street, trying to cater to their needs. Verral told MyLondon: "Its great to see how much my community support me with the work I do. There's a massive element of union in Tottenham.
"It's one thing leading but it's nothing if you aren't believed in and that's what my community do. It's great to see, especially when your five-year-old turns round and says he wants to help homeless people as well.
"I think its paramount in the times we're in now, with the cost of living especially, that there needs to be people who stand up and say that this is wrong. And I'm going to do my best by making my life account for more by helping other people."
Verral's scheme has become extremely widespread and he usually gets at least one message a day on social media alerting him of something a homeless person needs. He will then aim to get specific items delivered to the people within a couple of days.
Although there's been lots of negative agendas and attitudes towards homelessness in the political sphere at the moment Verral feels the traction the epidemic is getting is what is needed to make a difference. He said: "It's heart-warming to know that the nation is still fighting the corner of those that are facing difficulties and almost being left behind.
"I've had people message me and say I want to do what you do in London, how do I go about it. It's nice because I want this to be replicated.
"Lots of the situations that we have with people being homeless on the streets of London is because they've been failed by the system. I've dealt with situations where mum's have had to flee domestic violence with their kids and haven't had the correct structures in place to support them.
"I've dealt with one man who moved to London to care for his mum, and when she unfortunately died he was made homeless as he wasn't under the tenancy. These type of situations happen over and over again."
As well as handing out goods Verral runs a currency scheme, in collaboration with 24 restaurants so that people struggling can actually get what they want and are able to eat. He has put money behind tills in restaurants and in turn receives coins to hand out to people on the street within a five to seven mile radius of the shop.
Local Legends - Verral Paul-Walcott
MyLondon spoke to Verral Paul-Walcott as part of our Local Legends project, where our reporters are speaking to local heroes, legends and characters from every part of the city.
Ever wanted to know more about the market trader you see every day without fail on your way to work? Or how the person dressed in the pearl-covered suit spends their days and why they always look so flamboyant?
In every corner of London, the MyLondon team will shed the limelight on the city's Local Legends.
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He said: "That way people can walk into a restaurant as and when they want to and their dietary requirements will be met as they are able to pick from the menu. I am also looking for more restaurants to come forward so we can broaden the scheme."
As Verral takes to the streets he explained how the situation is becoming a lot more prominent. Tents used to be secluded and now they are out in the open. "It's a scary situation to see," he said.
"I've seen a massive increase especially with younger people. I think we are really starting to see the repercussions of the loans that happened during Covid.
"People missed too many payslips and are still playing catch up."
Verral has also created an Amazon wish list for the fourth year running so people can buy a gift for a child that doesn't have much this festive season. The link can be found in his Instagram bio.
To further support those struggling this winter on Friday, December 22 Verral will host his annual community ride, for anyone from London or further a field to take part in, all you need is a bike. As part of the ride there will be lots of proceeds handed out to those that are less fortunate over Christmas.
The ride will begin at 7pm from Shoreditch Tunnel. Verral added: "If you have read this article and feel that changes need to be made, then don't just take it as another story. Reach out within your community and look for people that need help or message me."
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