By James Simons-
New help to ensure 11 rough sleeping hubs for rough sleepers is to be launched across England – providing specialist support for thousands of vulnerable people
The British government is to establish schemes to be up and running by spring 2019 with locations including Bristol, Derby and West London .Thousands of vulnerable people will be able to get the specialist support they need to recover from life on the streets through the creation of new rough sleeping centres, announced today by Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP.
As part of the government’s £100 million Rough Sleeping Strategy, the government will be setting up 11 Somewhere Safe to Stay centres will be set up across the country. These will help provide immediate shelter and rapid assessment for those sleeping rough or at risk of doing so as well as specialist support to address those with complex needs such as mental health problems and substance misuse.
This builds on the first year of the Rough Sleeping Initiative, launched in March, which is providing £64 million to over 80 councils over the next 2 years to support rough sleepers in their area.
This funding is already being put to good use by creating 1,750 new bed spaces, as well as an additional 500 outreach workers, many of whom are already working tirelessly to support people off the streets and into recovery.
The new hubs – backed by up to £4.8 million government funding – will be up and running by spring 2019, with a further 4 centres to follow next year.
Today’s announcement follows the publication of the government’s Rough Sleeping Strategy delivery plan earlier this month which set out targets and deadlines for 61 strategy commitments.
Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP said:
No one should ever have to face a night on the streets, and as a government we are taking steps to ensure people are never faced with this as their only option.
These are vulnerable people, who may be dealing with complex mental health problems or addictions and require specialist help to tackle these issues and turn their lives around.
That’s why these vital new hubs will ensure those on the streets have access to professional help and guidance to start their recovery.