The decisions that politicians make affect us all - perhaps even more so in the case of homeless or vulnerable people, yet they are also less likely to vote. 

There is strong evidence that people who are socially and economically excluded are also less likely to exercise their rights, vote in elections, be actively represented at community level or have their views taken into account on how local affairs are run.

SHP's Have Your Say campaign aims to empower our clients to have a voice in matters that affect them.

A survey of 850 SHP clients found that fewer than 40 per cent were registered to vote - less than half the national rate - while just one in ten homeless clients were registered. By awareness raising and providing practical support with the registration process, our Have Your Say campaign has supported more than 400 homeless and vulnerable people across London to join the electoral register.

Our Have Your Say campaign has supported 400 homeless and vulnerable people across London to join the electoral register.

During the London Mayoral and national elections and the EU referendum, campaigned to ensure that our clients' opinions are counted on key issues that may have a substantial impact on their lives, such as welfare reform, education, health care and housing.

As well as supporting people to register and cast their vote, we have arranged trips to Westminster and invited parliamentarians and local councillors to visit our services so that clients can quiz them on topics such as health. housing and welfare.

Have Your Say has worked in partnership with a range of organisations including Homeless Link, Hackney Mind, Vote for Policies, Take Back the City and Bite The Ballot.

If you want politicians of all parties to listen to you, then you have to vote. If you vote then you can have a voice, and you can make a difference.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London