Funding secured to help long-term rough sleepers with new approach

Funding secured to help long-term rough sleepers with new approach

A new approach to homeless support will be pioneered by Wigan Council following a funding boost.

The pilot programme, scheduled to start this year, will help services provide for long-term rough sleepers who require additional aid.

It would offer targeted support for individuals who have been unable to live in several accommodation options or have disengaged from services.

Wigan Council leaders have welcomed the move, stating it will supplement the local authority’s wide-ranging support offer and strong track record in reducing homelessness.

To help fund the new approach Wigan Council has been successful in securing a £125k payment for three years from the national Homelessness and Long-Term Rough Sleeper Programme.

This will be combined with funds allocated by the council through its own homelessness and rough-sleeping strategy.

Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet portfolio holder for housing and welfare, said: “Our new Prime Minister couldn’t have made it any clearer; he put homelessness and new council homes at the top of the agenda along with tackling the cost-of-living crisis.

“We have a proven track record of tackling homelessness, providing support and practical solutions. Becoming homeless can happen to any one of us and tackling homelessness is a multi-agency approach.

“We have strong relationships with our partners and organisations who are compassionate, experienced and well respected and this new pilot is very welcome.”

The programme will accommodate individuals known to local homelessness services that have been identified as long term rough sleeping in the borough.

Delivered by registered provider You Matter, linked in with wider services, it will offer a psychologically informed, trauma-aware, and recovery-focused approach.

It is designed to support people who have spent extended periods rough sleeping to come indoors and build resilience, recover, and move towards independence.

Councillor Gambles added: “This provision will help us test a new style of support within tailored accommodation aligned to wider services and organisations.”