Help offered to homeless people with multiple needs

Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Midland Heart, with the support of Orbit Heart of England and Bromford are pioneering an innovative new approach to the resettlement of rough sleepers into mainstream housing. 

The Housing First model aims to provide accommodation and assistance in the form of intensive support to manage day to day challenges including, mental health issues, drug and alcohol dependency and general disengagement from mainstream lifestyles in order for individuals to move forward in their lives and make positive changes. 

This innovative approach has the potential to focus resources on addressing the complex and challenging behaviours and reconnect vulnerable people to the community by helping reduce isolation and stigmatisation.

Additionally, it is expected that this will save money across the public sector as health is improved, and anti-social behaviour, street drinking and begging are reduced.

Funding has been secured for around 12 months of work which will begin shortly.

Chris Saint, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: “This funding from central government is very welcome.  It provides Stratford-on-Avon District Council with an opportunity to pilot this innovative new project that has produced some very positive results elsewhere. The Council is serious about reducing the numbers sleeping rough within the district and this project gives us an opportunity to achieve this."