Press Release
Published on 18 December 2020
Archived on 17 January 2021
As part of its ongoing work to assist rough sleepers, Stratford-on-Avon District Council has recently commissioned a new service to operate across the District. Spring Housing Association has been contracted to run the Housing Pathway service which will work with rough sleepers in emergency accommodation, along with former rough sleepers who are in their own tenancies.
The Spring Pathway Coordinators will provide intensive support to rough sleepers in emergency housing, by building trust and getting to understand how the individual has ended up on the streets. The work includes identifying barriers to obtaining more settled housing, and to help with support and signposting in relation to mental and physical wellbeing.
The service will also work with former rough sleepers who have been rehoused into their own tenancies, providing intensive support to sustain these tenancies in order to avoid a return to the streets.
The Coordinators will hold a small caseload and all referrals into the service are made by the District Council's Housing Advice Team.
Cllr Jo Barker, People Portfolio says: "The District Council understands that rough sleepers are among the most vulnerable people we work with and because of this we recognise the need to provide them with more intensive support. Our experience also tells us that it's not just a question of providing a roof over someone's head.
"Such cases are complex and require a person-centred approach in order to achieve positive outcomes. I am convinced that with Spring Housing's expertise, this new contract will give our rough sleepers the best chance to get their lives back on track."
Spring Housing Association are a housing charity who aspire to create long term prosperity by investing to prevent homelessness, poverty and social isolation and to inspire and unlock people's potential. Spring are the lead organisation for the partnership which is working to open the Fred Winter Centre, Stratford's new homelessness accommodation and support hub, in 2021.
If local residents are concerned about someone they believe to be rough sleeping, they can report this via the Street Link website: www.streetlink.org.uk/
Residents who wish to donate in order to help those on the street can do so via 'Meaningful Change': meaningfulchange.org.uk/stratford/
There are several organisations in Stratford that can help and support those sleeping rough.
Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Elizabeth House, Church Street,
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire,
CV37 6HX
Tel: 01789 267575
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